MoS for External Affairs MJ Akbar to be NDA government’s E Ahamed

NEW DELHI: Newly appointed Minister of State for External Affairs M J Akbar's scholarship on political Islam is globally recognised.

Among his other responsibilities in South Block, is India's relation with West Asia and Central Asia, where the Modi government has stepped up its engagement over the past year.

Akbar's other areas of responsibilities include India's relations with rest of Eurasia, Central Europe and also Western Europe minus big three —Germany, France and UK, sources indicated.

The responsibilities of the former editor are also almost similar to the responsibilities of MoS E Ahamed under the UPA regime. Author of 'The Shade of Swords' and Tinderbox: The past and future of Pakistan, Akbar is well- versed with the Gulf and its politics.

In 2004, he was named a member of the committee set up by Saudi Arabia’s King Abdullah to draft a 10-year charter for Muslim nations.