H.E. Mr. Masakui Rungsung presented his credentials to the Secretary-General of the International Seabed Authority (ISA), H.E. Mr. Michael W. Lodge, as the Permanent Representative of India to ISA, during a ceremony held in Kingston, Jamaica, on 11 December 2023.

Ambassador Rungsung is a career diplomat who joined the Foreign Service in 2001 after obtaining a Masters in English Language from Delhi University, and he has held various high-level positions with the Indian Government.

During the ceremony, Ambassador Rungsung reaffirmed the commitment of India to the work of ISA. “I am happy to have presented my letter of Credence to the Secretary-General of ISA today. It is, in fact, a reflection of the importance India accords to this important international organization. I am committed to effectively represent my country and to do my very best to positively contribute to all the deliberations for the good of humanity,” he said.

Secretary-General Lodge welcomed Ambassador Rungsung as the new Permanent Representative of India to ISA. “India’s continued engagement and contribution to ISA’s endeavors have been significant, and with Ambassador Rungsung at the helm, we foresee a strengthened collaboration, particularly in the realms of sustainable seabed resource management with increased science to inform the best measures to ensure the protection of the environment,” he said.

“I trust that the productive and positive partnership forged with India, as the first pioneer investor from a developing country, will continue to further our collective goals in marine science research and in fostering an equitable regulatory framework for the exploration and use of marine resources, for the benefit of all member States and the wider global community,” he added.