India, Feb. 8 -- Dr M. Anand Prakash replaces J.P. Singh to head MEA's critical Pakistan, Afghanistan, and Iran (PAI) Division.

New Delhi: After the Ministry of External Affairs announced last month the appointment of Jitendra Pal Singh as the next envoy to Israel, all eyes turned to who would replace him as crucial Pakistan, Afghanistan and Iran (PAI) division in MEA. Singh is credited with strengthening New Delhi's diplomatic relations with Afghanistan post the Taliban's takeover.

Sources in diplomatic circles, speaking to The Sunday Guardian on the condition of anonymity, stated that Dr M. Anand Prakash, a senior 2005 batch diplomat, will replace Singh and take charge of the PAI Division in the MEA.

Dr Prakash is currently serving a...