India has named senior diplomat Muanpuii Saiawi as its incoming high commissioner to New Zealand, a move that comes as both countries look to strengthen economic and trade cooperation.

The decision was confirmed on Monday. Saiawi, an Indian Foreign Service officer from the 2005 cohort, is currently based in New Delhi, where she holds the role of joint secretary in the Ministry of External Affairs. She is expected to assume her Wellington posting in the coming weeks.

Saiawi brings extensive overseas experience to the role, having worked across multiple Indian missions. Her previous assignments include political work at the embassy in South Korea, overseeing information, education and cultural portfolios in Japan, and serving as counsellor for media, culture, tourism and public diplomacy in Israel.

Her career has been recognised with several top honours, including the Ambassador Bimal Sanyal Memorial Gold Medal for outstanding officer training, a silver medal for best dissertation, and the distinction of best-performing probationer in her IFS intake.

Beyond traditional diplomacy, Saiawi has led work on cyber policy and emerging strategic technologies within the foreign ministry. Most recently, she has been responsible for disarmament and international security affairs as a joint secretary.

She will replace Neeta Bhushan, who has represented India in New Zealand since 2022. Saiawi is originally from Mizoram, in India’s northeast.