Varun Chandra Appointed UK Envoy to US Trade

NRI Varun Chandra Appointed UK PM’s Special Envoy to US on Trade and Investment

Los Angeles/ Jan 26, 2026
NRIpress.club/Ramesh/ A.Gary Singh

UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer has appointed Indian-origin expert Varun Chandra as the Prime Minister’s Special Envoy to the United States on Trade and Investment, underscoring the government’s focus on strengthening economic ties with Washington.

Chandra will be tasked with advancing the UK’s trade and investment interests in the United States, one of Britain’s most important economic partners. His appointment comes at a crucial time as the UK seeks to reset and stabilize bilateral relations, which have faced diplomatic strain in recent months, including tensions linked to the Greenland crisis.

• In 2024, Chandra was appointed as Prime Minister’s Special Adviser on Business and Investment.
• In 2014, Chandra joined Hakluyt & Company, where he served for 10 years, eventually being elevated to Founding Partner and Chairman.
• He joined Tony Blair Associates as a director of strategies, where he served for six years till 2014.
• An investment banker, Chandra started his career with the Lehman Brothers from 2005 up till the year of recession of 2008.
• Chandra has also served on multiple boards as member, trustee and director.
• He has a degree in Philosophy, Politics and Economics from the University of Oxford.
• Chandra has taken on a key role in the United Kingdom’s economic relations with the United States. He played a major part in securing over $10 billion in economic agreements announced during Trump’s state visit to Britain in September.
• This new position formalizes the duties Chandra has been performing as a main contact with senior US officials including Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick, Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, Energy Secretary Chris Wright and US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer.
• Chandra will work closely with the UK ambassador to the United States, the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office, the Department for Business and Trade and the Office for Investment.
• Chandra’s strong relationships with key US officials and his experience with recent major deals propelled him to this crucial role

News Sourace: https://www.gov.uk/government/news/varun-chandra-appointed-as-pms-special-envoy-to-the-united-states-on-trade-and-investment