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Former Indian envoy to Portugal Primrose Sharma passes away
Former ambassador was the first tribal woman from Northeast India to join the Indian Foreign Service.
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Ankita Baidya - Sat, 27, Jun 2026
- 06:33 EDT
- 19
Former Indian Ambassador Primrose Raikhan Sharma served in Portugal, South Africa, and Japan during her diplomatic career. / X/@YKhemchandSingh
Primrose Raikhan Sharma, the first tribal woman from Northeast India to be directly recruited into the Indian Foreign Service (IFS) and the first woman from Manipur to join the diplomatic corps, died on June 25. Her passing prompted tributes from political leaders and fellow diplomats, who remembered her as a pioneer who opened doors for future generations.
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A graduate of Miranda House, University of Delhi, Sharma cleared the Union Public Service Commission examination and joined the IFS in 1975, becoming the first tribal woman from the Northeast and the first woman from Manipur to enter the service through direct recruitment.
She began her diplomatic career as First Secretary at the Indian Embassy in Tokyo before rising to become Joint Secretary in the Ministry of External Affairs. She later served as Consul General of India in Johannesburg from 1998 to 2002 and as India's Ambassador to Portugal from November 2008 to January 2012, according to the Embassy of India in Lisbon.
Union Minister Hardeep Singh Puri described Sharma as "a trailblazer and an inspiration to many," saying she not only broke barriers for herself but also created opportunities for women and members of tribal communities from Northeast India to pursue careers in diplomacy and public service. Puri recalled serving alongside Sharma during postings in Japan and Sri Lanka.
Manipur Chief Minister Khemchand Yumnam called her "a distinguished daughter of Manipur" whose service brought pride to both the state and the country. Former Chief Minister N. Biren Singh also paid tribute, saying her achievements and commitment to public service would remain an enduring inspiration.
Among the most personal tributes came from S. Koventhan, the current Consul General of India in Johannesburg, a post Sharma once held. Writing on X, he recalled that Sharma was his first ambassador during his posting in Lisbon and credited her with encouraging him to remain in the foreign service during a difficult period early in his career.
"She was always very kind to forgive my mistakes and helped me to settle down in the service," Koventhan wrote. "When I was seriously thinking of leaving IFS, she counselled and motivated me to continue."
Deeply saddened by the demise of Amb Primrose Sharma, my first Ambassador in Lisbon, Portugal. She was always very kind to forgive my mistakes and helped me to settle down in the service. At one point of time, during my tenure in Lisbon, when I was seriously thinking of leaving… pic.twitter.com/Zj2Uy8Yp8l
— Koventhan (@Kove1985) June 26, 2026
He said he felt honored to serve in the same Johannesburg post once held by Sharma, adding, "Will be remembering you always. May your noble soul rest in peace."
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