Diplomacy is often described as the art of building bridges, but for Dr. Madan Mohan Sethi, it is first and foremost about building relationships. As the Consul General of India in Auckland, New Zealand, he represents not just the interests of a nation, but also its values, culture, and aspirations. His journey—from serving patients in rural Odisha as a young doctor to representing India across continents—reflects a career defined by service, adaptability, and an unwavering commitment to people.
Long before he entered the world of diplomacy, Dr. Sethi began his professional life in medicine. An alumnus of MKCG Medical College, Berhampur, he spent four years serving in Odisha’s public healthcare system, working in primary and community health centres. Those formative years exposed him to the realities of grassroots India, teaching him that meaningful leadership begins with understanding people and responding to their needs with empathy. This foundation of public service would later become one of his greatest strengths as a diplomat.
In 2006, Dr. Sethi joined the prestigious Indian Foreign Service (IFS), embarking on a journey that would take him across Asia and Europe. Over the years, he has served in Myanmar, Italy, Vietnam, and the Ministry of External Affairs in New Delhi, handling political, commercial, cultural, and multilateral responsibilities. His assignments have ranged from promoting bilateral trade and investment to representing India in international organisations such as the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD), and the World Food Programme (WFP). Each posting added a new dimension to his understanding of global cooperation and India’s evolving role on the international stage.
His appointment as the first Consul General of India in Auckland marked another significant milestone—not only in his own career but also in India’s diplomatic engagement with New Zealand. The establishment of the Consulate reflects the growing importance of the India–New Zealand relationship and the expanding Indian diaspora in the region. Under his leadership, the Consulate has focused on strengthening economic partnerships, improving consular services, promoting trade, encouraging educational collaboration, and deepening cultural ties between the two countries.
Beyond official engagements, Dr. Sethi believes diplomacy is fundamentally about connecting people. He has consistently highlighted the role of culture, education, and community in bringing nations closer. His efforts to foster dialogue between India’s rich civilisational heritage and New Zealand’s multicultural society reflect a broader vision of diplomacy—one that values mutual respect, shared learning, and inclusive growth.
Colleagues often describe him as a leader who combines strategic thinking with approachability. Whether engaging with business leaders, policymakers, students, or members of the Indian diaspora, he brings the same sense of purpose and professionalism. His medical background, diplomatic experience, and administrative acumen together enable him to approach challenges with both analytical precision and human sensitivity.
As India continues to expand its global partnerships, diplomats like Dr. Madan Mohan Sethi play an increasingly important role in shaping those relationships. His career demonstrates that diplomacy is not confined to conference rooms or official ceremonies—it is built through trust, dialogue, and the ability to understand diverse perspectives.
From healing communities as a doctor to strengthening international partnerships as a diplomat, Dr. Sethi’s journey embodies the evolving story of modern India: confident in its identity, collaborative in its outlook, and committed to making meaningful contributions on the world stage. Through his leadership in Auckland, he continues to reinforce the enduring bonds between India and New Zealand while inspiring a new generation of public servants to view diplomacy as a lifelong mission of service.