Thomas L. Vajda has officially taken on the role of U.S. Consul General in Mumbai as of July 31, 2014. Vajda brings with him 23 years of experience in the U.S. Foreign Service, having previously served as Deputy Chief of Mission at the U.S. Embassy in Rangoon, Burma (Myanmar). His career also includes international assignments in the Balkans, South Korea, and Germany.
In Washington, Vajda's work has spanned East Asian and Pacific affairs, weapons removal and abatement, and human resources. Before his appointment in Mumbai, he was the State Department’s Deputy Coordinator for Assistance to the Middle East. In this capacity, he coordinated U.S. assistance efforts to the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) following the Arab Spring. Additionally, he directed the Middle East Partnership Initiative which supports political and economic reform in MENA.
Vajda holds a Bachelor's Degree from Stanford University and a Master's from the Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy.
"I have arrived in Mumbai during an exciting time," said Vajda upon assuming his new position. "My team and I will build upon progress in the U.S.-India relationship and advance the goals our governments articulate at the Strategic Dialogue." He added that his family is eager to explore western India.
Consul General Vajda is married to Amy Sebes; they have two daughters.