The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) announced on Saturday the appointment of former Election Commissioner Arun Goel as India’s next Ambassador to Croatia. This comes six months after Goel’s unexpected resignation from the Election Commission of India (ECI). He is expected to take up his new diplomatic role shortly.
Arun Goel’s Career and Sudden Resignation
Arun Goel, a retired IAS officer from the Punjab cadre, had a distinguished 37-year career. Before joining the Election Commission in November 2022, he took voluntary retirement from his position as Secretary of the Ministry of Heavy Industries. His sudden resignation from the ECI in March 2023, days before the Lok Sabha elections were announced, sparked some controversy. Sources suggest that Goel stepped down due to personal reasons, but his resignation led to questions, as he was expected to serve in the Commission until 2027 and eventually become Chief Election Commissioner in 2025.
Diplomatic Relations between India and Croatia
India established diplomatic relations with Croatia on July 9, 1992, shortly after Croatia’s independence from Yugoslavia. Since then, the countries have maintained strong ties, with India’s mission in Zagreb upgraded to Ambassadorial level in 1998. Both nations continue to cooperate on issues such as trade, defense, science, and technology, and share a commitment to advancing collaboration in multilateral forums like the United Nations.
In April 2024, India and Croatia held their 11th session of Foreign Office Consultations in Delhi, focusing on deepening cooperation across various sectors. The two nations also discussed the India-EU Free Trade Agreement (FTA), expressing optimism for its early conclusion.
Arun Goel’s Contributions
During his tenure in the Ministry of Heavy Industries, Goel was instrumental in promoting the electric vehicle movement in India. He also played a key role in implementing the Production Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme for the auto industry, securing significant investments and advancing the development of advanced chemistry cell battery storage projects.
Arun Goel is a retired IAS officer and former Election Commissioner of India, now appointed as India’s Ambassador to Croatia.
Goel resigned in March 2023, citing personal reasons. His resignation came just before the announcement of the 2024 Lok Sabha elections.
Goel has held several high-profile posts, including Secretary of the Ministry of Heavy Industries and Secretary of the Ministry of Culture. He is also known for advancing India’s electric vehicle movement.
India and Croatia have strong diplomatic ties, established in 1992. They cooperate in areas such as trade, defense, and technology.
He promoted the electric vehicle movement and implemented the PLI scheme for the auto industry, securing large investments for India’s industrial sector.