New Delhi, Jun 29 (IANS): Rajiv Bhatia has take over as director general of the Indian Council of World Affairs (ICWA), the country's prestigious and oldest foreign policy think tank.

ICWA was established at Sapru House in New Delhi by a group of eminent Indians under the inspiration of first prime minister Jawaharlal Nehru. The parliament of India describes it as "an institution of national importance". The Council makes an immense contribution to the study and research of the country's foreign policy and role in international affairs.

It has been active in its interactions with India's universities and think tanks as well as its counterparts in a large number of countries around the world.

Bhatia is a distinguished diplomat, with over 37 years of experience. He served as India's ambassador or high commissioner in Kenya, Myanmar, Mexico and South Africa. He has also been a prolific columnist on foreign policy issues and is a specialist on African, South Asian and Southeast Asian affairs."