Ambassador Kanwal Sibal joined the Indian Foreign Service in July 1966, eventually serving as the Foreign Secretary of India from July 2002 to November 2003. He Served in Paris (August 1968 to July 1973), Dar-es-Salaam (August 1976 to October 1979), Lisbon (February 1980 to July 1982), and Kathmandu (July 1982 to September 1985). Dr. Sibal also served as Joint Secretary (Administration/West Europe) in the Ministry of External Affairs of the Government of India from January 1986 to April 1989, the Ambassador of India to Turkey (April 1989 to July 1992), the Deputy Chief of Mission( eith rank of Ambassador), Embassy of India, Washington (August 1992 to September 1995), the Ambassador of India to Egypt (September 1995 to March 1998), the Ambassador of India to France (March 1998 to June 2002) and Ambassador to Russia from September 2004 to September 2007.
Ambassdor Sibal served as member of India’s National Security Advisory Board from December 2008 to December 2010. He was President of the Association of Indian Diplomats from March 2010 to March 2011. He is Dean Centre for International Relations and Diplomacy of the Vivekanand Foundation, New Delhi.