Fact Check: "India appointed Aliawati Longkumer as its next ambassador to North Korea on March 4, 2024, marking a return to a full-fledged diplomatic presence in Pyongyang after almost four years without a resident envoy."
What We Know
The claim states that Aliawati Longkumer was appointed as India's ambassador to North Korea on March 4, 2024. However, recent reports indicate that Longkumer was actually appointed on June 16, 2025, as confirmed by the Ministry of External Affairs of India. This appointment indeed marks a return to a full-fledged diplomatic presence in Pyongyang after a hiatus of nearly four years without a resident envoy, as noted by NK News and Nagaland Post.
Analysis
The assertion that Aliawati Longkumer was appointed on March 4, 2024, is incorrect. The official announcement from the Ministry of External Affairs clearly states that the appointment occurred on June 16, 2025. This discrepancy suggests that the claim may have originated from a misunderstanding or misreporting of the timeline.
The sources confirming the June 2025 appointment are credible, including the official government press release and reputable news outlets like NK News, which specializes in North Korean affairs. The Ministry of External Affairs is a primary source for diplomatic appointments, making it a reliable reference.
In contrast, the claim's date of March 4, 2024, lacks any supporting documentation or credible sources, which raises questions about its validity. The absence of corroborating evidence for the earlier date further undermines the claim.
Conclusion
Needs Research. The claim regarding the appointment date of Aliawati Longkumer as India's ambassador to North Korea is inaccurate, as the official appointment was made on June 16, 2025. The assertion that it occurred on March 4, 2024, is not supported by credible evidence. Further verification and clarification from reliable sources are necessary to fully understand the context and implications of this diplomatic appointment.
Sources
- India - The World Factbook
- Profile| National Portal of India
- Home | Know India: National Portal of India
- Shri Aliawati Longkumer appointed as the next ...
- India - Wikipedia
- India country profile - BBC News
- India appoints ambassador to North Korea after four-year ...
- Aliawati appointed India's Ambassador to North Korea