He assumed charge of the high-profile post at a time when India is facing numerous foreign policy challenges which includes increase in diplomatic outreach amidst od criticism by some countries and global institutions of the new citizenship law.
India is also facing an increasingly Trump administration and China's attempt to expand its military and economic influence in the region.
While speaking to reporters prior taking the charge, Shringla, a 1984-batch officer of the Indian Foreign Service (IFS), said he is quite clear with the fact that foreign service is a public service and every effort in its arena should be contributing towards the nation in the form of its security and prosperity through external engagements.
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"I am as committed to the ministry's role in nation-building as I was almost 36 years ago when I entered these portals as a young professional. I look forward to functioning under the guidance of the Prime Minister (Narendra Modi) and the External Affairs Minister (S Jaishankar), our political leadership and with the support and cooperation of my colleagues both within the ministry and outside," the 57-year-old diplomat said.
The government did not follow the seniority principle in appointing Shringla to the top post. Indian High Commissioner to the UK Ruchi Ghanshyam, a 1982-batch IFS officer, was also in contention for the post.
Shringla had played an important role in successful hosting of the "Howdy Modi" event in Houston in September where US President Donald Trump and Prime Minister Modi jointly addressed the Indian diaspora.
"I am conscious of the fact that I am stepping into the shoes of my illustrious stalwarts and seniors who have upheld the highest standards of professionalism and integrity to their work. In this context my two immediate predecessors come to mind -- Foreign Secretary Vijay Gokhale who set impeccably high standards, and Dr Jaishankar who we know is one of the leading authorities on foreign policy in India and anywhere in the world," Shringla said.
In the 35 years course of a diplomatic career, Shringla has held a variety of positions in New Delhi and abroad and is considered an expert on India's neighbourhood. He has served as High Commissioner of India to Bangladesh and Ambassador of India to Thailand. He has also served in France, Vietnam, Israel and South Africa.
Shringla, here, in the headquarters of the Ministry of External Affairs served as Joint Secretary looking after India's ties with Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Myanmar and Maldives. He has also headed the United Nations Political and SAARC divisions in the ministry. He had also served as director of the northern division dealing with Nepal and Bhutan.
Shringla is a graduate from prestigious St. Stephen's College of Delhi University, worked in the corporate and public sectors before joining the Indian Foreign Service. He has pursued courses and published papers on conflict prevention, economic diplomacy, the Indian diaspora and India-Bangladesh relations.