An Indian career diplomat will replace Mr Don McKinnon of New Zealand as the Commonwealth secretary general.

Mr Sharma, India's High Commissioner to Britain, defeated Mr Michael Frendo, the foreign minister of Malta, and Dr Mohan Kaul, the head of the Commonwealth Business Council, to the post yesterday.

"He will be taking the job in April next year," Mr McKinnon, who steps down on March 31, announced.

Both Mr Sharma and Mr Frendo were backed by their countries. A British national of Indian origin, Dr Kaul contested as an

independent candidate, the first time that was happening.

Mr Sharma, 66, said he was grateful to the leaders for electing him .

"Thanks for giving me a tough job," he said. "I wish to thank the heads of state for giving me the task of carrying forward the work of the Commonwealth. It's a heavy burden [but] it will be an honour and privilege to serve this great international institution."

A press release from the Commonwealth said Mr Sharma's election was unanimous.

In a campaign speech to the Royal Commonwealth Society months ago, Mr Sharma spoke of the need to tackle climate change. He also said that the developmental divide has to be bridged by ending the digital divide.

-The Nation