Shalini Medepalli
Biography
Shalini Medepalli is the British Deputy Head of Mission in Chennai, representing the UK in Tamil Nadu and Puducherry. Previously, Shalini worked in the Strategy directorate in FCDO. She has worked for other departments across the UK civil service, including HM Revenue and Customs, Department for Trade, Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, and the Westminster Foundation for Democracy; an arm’s length body. Before this, Shalini worked in New York for a UN Woman partner organisation. Shalini holds an M.Phil. in Development Studies from Newnham College, Cambridge.
British Deputy Head of Mission in Chennai
The Deputy Head of Mission is a senior diplomat and typically a key advisor to the Ambassador or High Commissioner. The Deputy is responsible for the daily management of an overseas Embassy or High Commission. They will represent the UK’s interests in the absence of the Ambassador as Chargé d’Affaires. A senior ranking Deputy may also take the title Minister. Smaller missions may not have a Deputy Head.