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On 10 November 2026, during a formal ceremony at Riga Castle, President Edgars Rinkēvičs presented a letter of credence to Jānis Beķeris, the incoming Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of India.
Since joining the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in 2011, Jānis Beķeris has held senior positions in the Security Policy Department (2011–2015, 2018–2019) and served as Press Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (2019–2022).
From 2015 to 2018, he served as Deputy Head of Mission at the Embassy of Latvia in Turkey, and from 2022 to 2026, he served as Deputy Head of Mission at the Embassy of Latvia in the USA. Before joining the diplomatic service, he also worked at the Ministry of Defence (2008–2011) and worked as a teacher and as a translator.
“It is important for Latvia to maintain good political and economic relations with the world’s largest democracy and most populous country. We must recognise India’s growing role and build on our shared commitment to respect for international law,” says the incoming Ambassador to India. Regarding his planned priorities, Jānis Beķeris notes: “I will pursue Latvia’s national interests and prioritise economic diplomacy. I will pay particular attention to the opportunities for our businesses to benefit from the new EU-India Free Trade Agreement.”
Jānis Beķeris obtained a master’s degree in the Humanities, specialising in History, from the University of Latvia in 2011 and a bachelor’s degree in Social Sciences, specialising in International Relations, from the International University Audentes in Estonia in 2008.
Jānis Beķeris has received several awards for his achievements and contribution to the country’s development, including the Cross of Recognition (Officer’s Class, 2020), the Minister of Defence’s Medal of Honorary Recognition (2011) and a Certificate of Recognition from the Commander of the National Guard (2009).
Jānis Beķeris will succeed Ambassador Juris Bone, who has represented Latvia’s interests in India since 2022.