Indian diplomat adorns 'Apsara' attire for Cambodian New Year
PTC News Desk: Devyani Khobrogade, India's ambassador to Cambodia, recently embraced the cultural festivities of Cambodian New Year by donning the traditional attire of a 'Khmer Apsara'. Khobrogade's portrayal of the iconic Apsara figure has garnered attention on social media, symbolising her warm wishes for the occasion.
Khobrogade, a seasoned Indian Foreign Service (IFS) officer, captured the essence of Cambodian culture through her elegant portrayal as a 'Khmer Apsara'. The images, which have circulated widely on social platforms, depict her graceful tribute to the vibrant traditions of Cambodia.
The Indian Embassy in Cambodia shared the photoshoot, accompanied by a message expressing Khobrogade's profound appreciation for Khmer culture. In their post on X (formerly known as Twitter), the embassy highlighted her embodiment of the enduring cultural connection between India and Cambodia, extending heartfelt greetings for the Khmer New Year celebrations.
Khobrogade's diplomatic journey has traversed diverse landscapes, from Berlin to New York, Islamabad, and Rome, before her tenure in Cambodia. However, her time in New York was marked by a high-profile controversy in 2013, when she faced legal charges related to visa fraud and false statements.
Amidst the legal turmoil, Khobrogade also encountered allegations regarding the wages of her domestic worker in the US, which she vehemently refuted as unfounded. Eventually, the charges were dismissed by a US court on grounds of diplomatic immunity, leading to her return to India after diplomatic tensions between the two nations escalated.
The aftermath of Khobrogade's case strained relations between India and the US, resulting in diplomatic repercussions and adjustments in privileges for certain categories of US diplomats in India. In response, the US reciprocated by withdrawing one of its diplomats from Indian soil.
Khobrogade assumed her role as India's envoy to Cambodia in 2020, marking a new chapter in her diplomatic career dedicated to fostering bilateral ties and cultural exchanges between India and Cambodia.
- With inputs from agencies
