Former Indian Ambassador, Author, Toastmaster, Strategic Advisor and West Asia Analyst
Dr. Ausaf Sayeed
Ambassador Dr Ausaf Sayeed (b. September 18, 1963) is a seasoned Indian diplomat (IFS 1989 Batch) and strategic thinker who has served as Secretary (CPV and OIA) in the Ministry of External Affairs, as Ambassador of India to Saudi Arabia and Yemen, and as High Commissioner to Seychelles.
He also served as a diplomat in Egypt, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Denmark, Yemen and Chicago. In India, he served as Joint Secretary (West Africa) in Delhi and as Regional Passport Officer in Hyderabad.
As Secretary (CPV & OIA), he was responsible for all matters relating to Consular, Passport, Visas, Overseas Emigration, and NRI & Overseas Indian Affairs, as well as affairs of GCC and WANA countries.
During his nearly 34 years of diplomatic service, Dr Sayeed has represented India’s interests in the political, economic, consular, and cultural realms and has fostered friendly relationships with nations around the world.
My Journey
Dr Ausaf Sayeed has handled various areas of work over his nearly 34 years of diplomatic service, including political, economic, consular, and cultural work, as well as Hajj management.
Dr Ausaf Sayeed holds a Master of Science and a PhD in Geology from Osmania University in Hyderabad, India, and an Advanced Diploma in Arabic from the American University in Cairo. He is a Competent Toastmaster (CTM) and recipient of Shri Y.G.K.Murthy Gold Medal from Osmania University, Hyderabad. The prestigious Yoga Mithra Award was also conferred on him by the S-Vyasa University for his efforts to promote Yoga in Saudi Arabia.
Delhi, India
Secretary (CPV & OIA)
Ministry of External Affairs
2022 – 2023
Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
Ambassador of India
2019 – 2022
Mahe, Seychelles
High Commissioner of India
2017 – 2019
Chicago, USA
Consul General of India
2013 – 2017
Sanaa, Yemen
Ambassador of India
2010 – 2013
Years in Service
Countries Worked in
Countries Visited
Photo Gallery
Dr. Ausaf Sayeed
Gandhi Jayanti in Riyadh
With Prime Minister Narendra Modi
With PM Modi and Swami Ishatmananda
With His Majesty King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud
With Crown Prince HRH Mohammad Bin Salman
With former President Pranab Mukherjee
With former President Ram Nath Kovind
With former President Smt. Pratibha Patil
With former President Danny Faure of Seychelles
With Vice-President Vincent Meriton of Seychelles
Dalai_Lama
With HRH Prince AdbulAziz Bin Salman
With Saudi Foreign Minister HH Faisal Bin Farhan
Republic Day Celebrations in Riyadh, 2020
Independence Day Celebrations 2016, Chicago
My Publications
Indian Art & Culture – Time & Tradition
Indian Art & Culture
Trends In Indian Culture And Heritage
Trends in Objective Geology
Kulliyat-e-Awaz Sayeed
Latest Blogs and Articles
The Middle East Needs a Healing Touch
Interestingly, foreign policy issues, predominantly the ongoing conflicts in the Middle East involving Israel and Iran and its proxies—Hamas, Hezbollah, and Houthis—played a significant role in shaping the outcome of the US presidential elections, especially in close races. Trump actively courted the Arab and Muslim voters, mainly in Michigan, through personal community interactions, projecting himself as a ‘peacemaker’ and promising to end the war in Gaza.
Arabs of Indian Origin – A Forgotten Diaspora
In the mid-19th century, several Indian Muslim scholars and political leaders fled to the Hejaz region to escape British persecution for their participation in the 1857 revolt, often referred to as the ‘First War of Independence.’ Common surnames among people of Indian origin in Saudi Arabia include Al-Hindi / Al-Hind, Dehlavi, Malabari, Siddique, Kidwai, Faruqi, and Surati. While many non-resident Indians (NRIs) from Gulf countries have regularly received the Pravasi Bharatiya Samman award, only a handful of Arab nationals of Indian origin have been honoured with it.
Donald Trump’s Victory: Implications for the Middle East
Donald Trump’s return to the White House as the 47th President of the United States is poised to reshape America’s approach to the Middle East significantly. His victory has elicited a range of reactions across the region, from enthusiastic support to cautious concern, reflecting the complex dynamics at play in this volatile region.
Velayat-e Faqih: A Foundational Concept in Iran’s Governance and Regional Influence
At its core, Velayat-e Faqih transfers political and religious authority to the Shia clergy, making all key state decisions subject to approval by a supreme clerical leader, the Vali-e Faqih. This concept is rooted in Shia Islam but was expanded by Khomeini to apply to governance of the entire state.
The Mukaab – The Saudi Cube project
The Saudi Cube project, known as “The Mukaab,” is a central part of the New Murabba district in Riyadh, set to be one of the world’s largest single-built structures. Upon completion by 2030, the project will contribute significantly to Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 economic diversification, generating approximately SAR 180 billion for non-oil GDP and creating over 300,000 jobs.
The Strait of Hormuz: A Critical Chokepoint for Global Energy Security
The Strait of Hormuz’s strategic importance has made it a focal point of geopolitical tensions, particularly between Iran and Western powers. Iran’s geographic control over the northern part of the strait allows it to monitor and potentially influence the traffic passing through this vital passage. Over the years, threats of disruption have arisen due to political tensions, military confrontations, and sanctions on Iran related to its nuclear programme.
In The News
Contact Me
‘Modi’s West Asia tour aims at strategic hedging’
Read today's op-ed by Ausaf Sayeed👇http://toi.in/mri0JZ
: ‘Modi’s West Asia tour aims at strategic hedging’ https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/blogs/not-categorized/modis-west-asia-tour-aims-at-strategic-hedging/
Sharing my article: "Flanking the Axis: India’s Strategic Hedge in West Asia" on PM Modi’s three-nation tour to Jordan, Ethiopia, and Oman, which comes amid geopolitical churn in West Asia and the crystallisation of a new Saudi-Pakistan-US alignment, offering a window into
Article "Remembering Mughni Tabassum".. continued (2/2)
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