Harshbir Sangha MBE FRSA
Biography
Harshbir Sangha is the Deputy High Commissioner to Karnataka. He was appointed in September 2026. In addition, he is also the UK’s Deputy Trade Commissioner for Investment in South Asia with a mandate to further strengthen and promote the UK as a preferred destination for foreign direct investment from India and the wider South Asia region.
In his role as Deputy High Commissioner, Harshbir is responsible for all aspects of the UK’s engagement in the Indian state of Karnataka. The role includes promoting business and trade links, strengthening scientific, technological and education cooperation and working with partners to tackle climate change.
Prior to taking up his posting in India, Harshbir was the Deputy Director for Satellite Communications & PNT (Positioning, Navigation & Timing) at the UK Space Agency. He previously held senior leadership roles as Missions and Capabilities Delivery Director and Director for Growth, overseeing government engagement in the development of Earth observation, telecommunications and international standards programmes through the European Space Agency.
Over his career, Harshbir has worked across Whitehall leading a range of social, science, research and innovation policies and programmes. For his services to promoting diversity and inclusion in the Civil Service, Harshbir was honoured with an MBE in 2016 and won the British Community Honours Award in 2017. He is also a fellow of the Royal Society for Arts, Manufactures and Commerce (RSA).
British Deputy High Commissioner to Karnataka and the UK’s Deputy Trade Commissioner for Investment, South Asia
Previous roles in government
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Deputy Director, Satcoms & PNT
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Missions and Capabilities Director - Earth Observation and Low-Earth Orbit Assets