United Nations, Apr 17 (IANS): Ambassador Asoke Kumar Mukerji has taken over as India's Permanent Representative at the UN, succeeding Hardeep Singh Puri who demitted office Feb 28.

Mukerji, India's 20th Permanent Representative at the UN, presented his credentials to Secretary General Ban ki-Moon Tuesday at the UN Headquarters.

The UN secretary general welcomed Mukerji's appointment and lauded India's important role at the UN as a long and trusted partner of the multilateral system.

Ambassador Mukerji reiterated India's strong commitment to the UN and assured him of his fullest support in helping the UN achieve the five 'generational' opportunities, the UN secretary general had set out at the commencement of his second term, said a statement Wednesday.

Mukerji was earlier special secretary (political) in the external affairs ministry and looked after India's strategic and security policy consultations in its immediate and extended neighbourhood. He joined the Indian Foreign Service in 1978.