Sutapa Choudhury
Biography
Sutapa Choudhury is the British Deputy High Commissioner to Tamil Nadu, Kerala and Puducherry.
Sutapa has over 20 years’ experience in the UK government working on growth, international development and national security. She leads the UK’s work across Tamil Nadu, Kerala and Puducherry to support the UK–India Vision 2035 by deepening trade and investment ties, supporting climate action, and strengthening the UK–India partnership on science and tech, education, defence, and migration.
Previously, she led a large Indo-Pacific team delivering UK-funded development programmes on climate, economic growth and governance, based in New Delhi. She also served as Head of FCDO’s Investment and Trade Security Unit, shaping the UK’s approach to economic security.
Her career has included postings in Uganda, Malawi and Jerusalem.
She is an award-winning leader on diversity and inclusion and a full member of the Government Economic Service (GES), having started her civil service career as a Fast Stream economist.
Sutapa was awarded an M.Phil. and doctorate in International Development and Public Policy by the University of Oxford.
British Deputy High Commissioner Chennai
In some countries, the Deputy High Commissioner leads a subordinate office to the High Commission in another major city. The Deputy High Commissioner fulfils a similar role to a Consul General, representing the UK government and typically responsible for consular, visa and trade activities in their city or region.