Shri Romesh Bhandari

Governor of Uttar Pradesh From: 19-07-1996 To: 17-03-1998

Positions Held

• Shri Romesh Bhandari joined the Indian Foreign Service in 1950. His first posting was as Vice Consul in New York. He served as Private Secretary to late Shri V.K. Krishna Menon during key international issues like the Korean conflict, Suez Crisis, and Kashmir debates in the UN.
• He held diplomatic roles in Moscow, Thailand (as Ambassador and Representative to ESCAP), and Iraq. He was appointed Foreign Secretary of India on 1st February 1985 and retired on 31st March 1986.
• He contributed significantly to India's foreign policy, particularly in economic diplomacy and strengthening ties with Arab nations. He procured oil at official prices in the 1980s and was instrumental in bringing hijackers back to India from Dubai in 1984 without an extradition treaty.
• After retirement, he served as Chairman of the Foreign Affairs Department of AICC, and held key roles in national celebrations and organizations like the All India Village Development Council.
• He became Lt. Governor of Delhi in 1988, known for his direct public outreach during a cholera epidemic. Later, he served as Governor of Tripura, Goa, and finally Uttar Pradesh.
• His family includes his father, Justice Amar Nath Bhandari, wife Smt. Kumudesh Bhandari (daughter of Maharaja Bhupinder Singh of Patiala), a son, and a daughter.
• Romesh Bhandari is remembered for his dedication to public service, diplomacy, and pioneering efforts in economic and strategic policy matters.