New Delhi, July 29 (IANS) India Friday appointed Rakesh Sood, at present its envoy to Nepal, as its next ambassador to France.

‘Rakesh Sood, presently ambassador of India to Nepal, has been appointed the next ambassador of India to France,’ a ministry of external affairs release said here.

Sood will take over from Ranjan Mathai, who has been named the next foreign secretary when incumbent Nirupama Rao retires July 31.