Dr. Kanwal Sibal joined the Indian Foreign Service in 1966. He reached the highest position in the Indian Foreign Service on his appointment as Foreign Secretary to the Government of India from July 2002 to November 2003.

He is a member of several distinguished organisations, including India’s National Security Advisory Board. He is a board member for the New York based East-West Institute, and part of the Advisory Board of the Vivekanand International Foundation. He has received the high distinction of Grand Officier of the Ordre du Merite from France.