New Delhi, Sept. 22 -- Raj Kamal (YOA: 2009), presently posted in Consulate General of India, Milan, has been appointed as the next Ambassador of India to the State of Eritrea.

He is expected to take up the assignment shortly, Ministry of External Affairs said in a release.

India formally recognized Eritrea soon after its dejure independence on May 24, 1993 from Ethiopia.

Indian traders were familiar with the Eritrean port of Massawa since the 17th century. During World War II, Indian soldiers played a crucial role in the battles of Keren and Asmara. There were many casualties among Indian soldiers at the battle of Keren and Asmara. The Keren Cremation Memorial commemorates 285 Indian soldiers whose remains were cremated in accordance ...