Mahesh Sachdev retired in 2013 after 36 years in the Indian Foreign Service. His career included Ambassador to Algeria and Norway, and High Commissioner to Nigeria – all major oil exporters. At the Ministry of External Affairs, he served as Director Gulf (1980-1995) and Joint Secretary (2001-05). His areas of focus are the Middle East and economic diplomacy. Since his superannuation, Amb. Sachdev has continued to be active as President of Eco-Diplomacy and Strategies, a consultancy to hand-hold the business stakeholders. He was the founder-President of the UAE-India Business Council, New Delhi. Amb. Sachdev currently serves as India President of the Asian African Chamber of Commerce and Industry. He is a Distinguished Fellow at the Ananta Centre and a life member of the Mensa Society.