Mohammad Hamid Ansari
Vice President of India from 2007 to 2017

Mohammad Hamid Ansari
Ansari in 2016
Vice President of India
In office
11 August 2007 – 11 August 2017
PresidentPratibha Patil
Pranab Mukherjee
Ram Nath Kovind
Prime MinisterManmohan Singh
Narendra Modi
Preceded byBhairon Singh Shekhawat
Succeeded byVenkaiah Naidu
Permanent Representative of India to the United Nations
In office
January 1993 – January 1995
PresidentShankar Dayal Sharma
Preceded byChinmaya Gharekhan
Succeeded byPrakash Shah
Ambassador of India to the United Arab Emirates
In office
6 June 1976 – 24 January 1980
PresidentFakhruddin Ali Ahmed
B. D. Jatti (interim)
Neelam Sanjiva Reddy
Preceded byS. E. H. Rizvi
Succeeded byLalit Mansingh
Personal details
Born (1937-04-01) 1 April 1937 (age 88)
Calcutta, Bengal, British India (present-day Kolkata, West Bengal, India)
PartyIndependent
SpouseSalma Ansari
Children3
RelativesAfzal Ansari (nephew)
Sibgatullah Ansari (nephew)
Mukhtar Ansari (nephew)
Alma materAligarh Muslim University
AwardsPadma Shri
Websitehamidansari.org

Mohammad Hamid Ansari (pronunciationⓘ; born 1 April 1937) is an Indian bureaucrat and retired diplomat of the Indian Foreign Service who served as the vice president of India from 2007 to 2017.

Ansari joined the IFS in 1961. In a diplomatic career spanning 38 years, he served as the Indian ambassador to Australia, Afghanistan, Iran, and Saudi Arabia. He also served as the permanent representative of India to the United Nations between 1993 and 1995. He was appointed the vice-chancellor of the Aligarh Muslim University from 2000 to 2002.[1] Later, he was the chairman of the National Commission for Minorities[1] from 2006 to 2007.

He was elected as the vice-president of India on 10 August 2007 and was sworn in by Pratibha Patil, the president of India. The oath taking ceremony was conducted at Rashtrapati Bhavan on 11 August 2007. He was reelected on 7 August 2012 and took office on 11 August 2012.[2] He decided not to run for a third term in the 2017 vice presidential election. His tenure is tied with Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan, for the longest vice presidential tenure in Indian history.

Personal life

The Vice President, M. Hamid Ansari calling on the President of Nepal, Bidya Devi Bhandari, in New Delhi, 18 April 2017.

Ansari was born on 1 April 1937 in Kolkata, to Mohammad Abdul Aziz Ansari and Aasiya Begum. Though his ancestral home is in the city of Yusufpur, Ghazipur, of the Uttar Pradesh state, he spent his formative years in Kolkata. He comes from a family of Ansari sheikhs descended from the Sufi saint of Herat Abdullah Ansari.[3] His ancestors came to India in the year 1526 with the Mughal emperor Babur and founded Yusufpur. He is the grand-nephew of former Indian National Congress president and freedom fighter Mukhtar Ahmed Ansari.[4] He is also the second cousin to three Uttar Pradesh politicians, namely Afzal Ansari, Sibaghatullah Ansari and the mafia-turned politician Mukhtar Ansari.[5]

Ansari received his early education from St. Edward's School, Shimla. He completed B.A. and M.A. degrees in political science from Aligarh Muslim University in Aligarh, Uttar Pradesh.[6][7] He is married to Salma Ansari, fathering two sons and one daughter.[8]

Early career

Diplomatic career

Vice President, Shri Mohammad Hamid Ansari with the former Prime Minister of Nepal, Madhav Kumar Nepal

Joining the Indian Foreign Service in 1961, Ansari subsequently served Indian missions in Baghdad, Rabat, Brussels and Jeddah.[9] From 1976 to 1980, he served as the Indian ambassador to the United Arab Emirates. Mohan Jashanmal, the chairman of the Indian Business and Professionals Group, said that "Ansari was instrumental to get land for the Indian School from His Highness Shaikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan".[10] He has also served as the Indian ambassador to Australia (1985–1989), Afghanistan (1989–1990), Iran (1990–1992), Saudi Arabia (1995–1999).[11]

He also served as the permanent representative of India to the United Nations from 1993 to 1995.[8] His deputy T. P. Sreenivasan wrote that while Ansari's stint as the permanent representative, he refuted Pakistan's allegations of human rights abuses in Jammu and Kashmir by "the horns and subdued it whenever necessary". He also wrote that appointing Ansari for this post at a time when "Pakistan went all out to bring Kashmir to the centre of international attention after the end of the Cold War" showed India's secular credentials.[12]

Academic stints

After serving as a visiting professor of the West Asian and African Studies Department of Jawaharlal Nehru University from 1999 to 2000,[8] Ansari was appointed as the vice-chancellor of the Aligarh Muslim University on 23 May 2000.[13] After leaving the post in 2002, he served as a visiting professor of the Academy for Third World Studies Department of the Jamia Milia Islamia from 2003 to 2005.[8]

Chairman of NCM

Ansari became the chairman of India's National Commission for Minorities (NCM) on 6 March 2006.[14] In June 2007, Ansari, in his capacity as NCM chairman, upheld the decision of St. Stephen's Delhi to earmark a small percentage of seats for Dalit Christians.[15] He resigned as NCM chairman soon after his nomination for the post of India's vice-president.

Vice president of India

First term (2007–2012)

President Patil administering the oath of office to Mohammad Hamid Ansari as the 13th Vice President of India.
Vice President Ansari with the Chief Minister and Governor of Gujarat and judges of the Supreme Court at the Gujarat National Law University.
The President Smt. Pratibha Patil, the Vice President Shri Mohammad Hamid Ansari his wife Smt. Salma Ansari and the Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh after Swearing-in-Ceremony in New Delhi on August 11, 2007.
Vice President Ansari with Odisha Governor M. C. Bhandare and Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik.
Vice President Ansari inspecting a guard of honour at Biju Patnaik International Airport.

On 20 July 2007, Mohammad Hamid Ansari was named by the UPA–Left alliance as its candidate for the post of Vice-President of India for the 2007 Indian vice-presidential election. Responding to the announcement, Ansari stated that he felt “humbled by the confidence reposed in him”. He subsequently won the election, securing 455 votes and defeating his nearest rival, Najma Heptullah, by a margin of 233 votes.[16][17]

Vice Presidency under President Pratibha Patil

During his first term, Ansari served as Vice President under Pratibha Patil, the first woman President of India. In this constitutional role, he assisted the President in the discharge of ceremonial and formal duties, represented India at official events, and received foreign dignitaries on behalf of the Indian state.[18]

Ansari frequently accompanied the President at national functions and played a role in ensuring continuity in constitutional processes. His tenure coincided with significant political developments, including coalition governance and debates on parliamentary accountability.[19]

Chairman of the Rajya Sabha

As mandated under Article 89 of the Constitution of India, Ansari served as the Chairman of the Rajya Sabha during his first term. In this capacity, he presided over the sittings of the Upper House, administered oaths to members, and ensured compliance with parliamentary rules and conventions.[20]

His tenure as Chairman coincided with a period marked by frequent disruptions in Parliament. Ansari repeatedly appealed to members to maintain decorum and emphasised the importance of debate and legislative scrutiny in a parliamentary democracy.[21]

Parliamentary functioning and notable events

Between 2007 and 2012, Ansari expressed concern over the declining productivity of the Rajya Sabha due to repeated adjournments. He publicly stated that disruptions weakened the institution of Parliament and undermined democratic accountability.[22]

During debates on major national legislations and constitutional issues, Ansari emphasised the federal role of the Rajya Sabha as a forum for representing the interests of states and for conducting detailed legislative review. He also advocated strengthening parliamentary committees and improving the quality of legislative deliberations.[23]

By the end of his first term in 2012, Ansari had established himself as a key constitutional figure, balancing his responsibilities as Vice President of India and Chairman of the Rajya Sabha during a politically challenging period.

Second term (2012–2017)

The President, Shri Pranab Mukherjee, administering the oath of office of the Vice President to Shri Mohammad Hamid Ansari at Rashtrapati Bhavan on 11 August 2012.

In the 2012 vice-presidential election, the Congress-led UPA renominated Mohammad Hamid Ansari for a second term as Vice President of India. The NDA nominated Jaswant Singh, former Union Minister and Leader of the Opposition. Ansari was re-elected on 7 August 2012 by a margin of 252 votes, becoming the first Vice President since Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan to be re-elected to a second consecutive term.[24][25]

Vice Presidency under three Presidents

During his second term, Ansari served as Vice President under three Presidents of India — Pranab Mukherjee (2012–2017), and briefly under Ram Nath Kovind following Kovind’s inauguration in July 2017. With this, he became the first Vice President of India to serve during the tenures of three Presidents, a rare constitutional distinction.[26]

The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi greeting the Vice President, Shri M. Hamid Ansari, on the occasion of New Year, in New Delhi on January 01, 2017.

As Vice President, Ansari discharged constitutional and ceremonial duties, including representing India at official functions, receiving foreign dignitaries, and participating in state ceremonies. He also played a supporting role in maintaining continuity in constitutional functioning during presidential transitions.[27]

Chairman of the Rajya Sabha

In his ex-officio capacity as Chairman of the Rajya Sabha, Ansari presided over the Upper House during a politically turbulent period marked by frequent disruptions and intense debates. His tenure witnessed discussions on major national legislations, economic reforms, and issues related to governance and federalism.[28]

Ansari repeatedly stressed the importance of parliamentary decorum and constructive debate, urging members to uphold the dignity of the House. He chaired meetings of parliamentary committees such as the Business Advisory Committee and played a key role in managing legislative business amid frequent adjournments.[29]

Notable constitutional and parliamentary events

  • Oversaw Rajya Sabha proceedings during debates on key economic and social legislations.
  • Managed repeated disruptions and adjournments while emphasizing the constitutional role of the Upper House.[30]
  • Completed a full ten-year tenure as Vice President of India, making him the longest-serving Vice President in Indian history.[31]

Ansari demitted office on 10 August 2017, concluding a decade-long tenure marked by his dual constitutional responsibilities as Vice President of India and Chairman of the Rajya Sabha.

Views

Ansari is a West Asia scholar and has written on the Palestinian issue and taken positions inconvenient to the Indian official line on Iraq and Iran. He questioned India's vote in the International Atomic Energy Agency on Iran's nuclear programme where India voted against Iran. He said that though the Indian Government claimed to have acted on "its own judgement," this was not borne out by facts.[32]

He was the chairman of a working group on "Confidence building measures across segments of society in the State," established by the Second Round Table Conference of the Prime Minister on Jammu and Kashmir in 2006. The report of the working group was adopted by the Third Round Table in April 2007. Among other things, the report advocates recognizing the right of Kashmiri Pandits to return to "places of their original residence". This right, it argued, should be recognized without any ambiguity and made a part of state policy.[32]

See also

References

  1. ^ a b "Ansari almost missed V-C post in AMU". Hindustan Times. Archived from the original on 12 May 2012. Retrieved 8 May 2012.
  2. ^ "Hamid Ansari sworn-in as Vice President for second term". Business Standard. 11 August 2012. Retrieved 20 August 2012.
  3. ^ "Ansaris of Yusufpur". November 2013.
  4. ^ "Who is Mohammed Hamid Ansari?". NDTV. 7 August 2012. Retrieved 4 January 2018.
  5. ^ "3 brothers, 5 seats, jail: no getting away from the Ansaris of Poorvanchal". The Indian Express. 12 May 2014. Retrieved 4 January 2018.
  6. ^ "Mohammad Hamid Ansari | Biography & Facts | Britannica". 23 December 2023.
  7. ^ "Profile | Former Vice President of India | Government of India". mhamidansari.nic.in. Archived from the original on 25 October 2020. Retrieved 8 August 2022.
  8. ^ a b c d "Sh. M. Hamid Ansari". Vice President of India. Retrieved 4 January 2018.
  9. ^ "Hamid Ansari: Seasoned diplomat and scholar, respected leader". Two Circles. 14 July 2012. Retrieved 4 January 2018.
  10. ^ "Ansari cherishes UAE experience". Gulf News. 23 July 2007. Retrieved 4 January 2018.
  11. ^ "India's vice president to visit Uganda". New Vision. 16 February 2017. Retrieved 4 January 2018.
  12. ^ T. P. Sreenivasan (16 August 2017). "Hamid Ansari: an intellectual liberated". The Hindu. Retrieved 4 January 2018.
  13. ^ "Former diplomat named new AMU Vice-Chancellor". The Hindu. 23 May 2000. Retrieved 5 January 2018.[dead link]
  14. ^ "NCM website – current commission". Archived from the original on 28 June 2007.
  15. ^ "St Stephens reservation row". newspostindia.com. Retrieved 21 July 2007. {{cite news}}: |archive-url= is malformed: timestamp (help)CS1 maint: url-status (link)
  16. ^ "Ansari named UPA-Left candidate for Vice President poll". IBN Live. Retrieved 16 January 2026.
  17. ^ "Hamid Ansari elected Vice President". The Hindu. 11 August 2007. Retrieved 16 January 2026.
  18. ^ "Former Vice Presidents of India". Vice President of India. Retrieved 16 January 2026.
  19. ^ "Vice President's constitutional role". The Hindu. Retrieved 16 January 2026.
  20. ^ "Chairman, Rajya Sabha". Rajya Sabha Secretariat. Retrieved 16 January 2026.
  21. ^ "Ansari appeals for order in Rajya Sabha". The Hindu. Retrieved 16 January 2026.
  22. ^ "Disruptions weaken Parliament, says Ansari". The Hindu. Retrieved 16 January 2026.
  23. ^ "Rajya Sabha must uphold federal spirit: Ansari". The Hindu. Retrieved 16 January 2026.
  24. ^ "Hamid Ansari retained seat as Vice President". Hindustan Times. 7 August 2012. Retrieved 15 January 2026.
  25. ^ "VP Poll: Jaswant Singh vs Hamid Ansari". Outlook. 16 July 2012. Retrieved 15 January 2026.
  26. ^ "Mohammad Hamid Ansari". Encyclopaedia Britannica. Retrieved 15 January 2026.
  27. ^ "Hamid Ansari demits office as Vice President". The Indian Express. 10 August 2017. Retrieved 15 January 2026.
  28. ^ "Role of the Chairman, Rajya Sabha". Rajya Sabha Secretariat. Retrieved 15 January 2026.
  29. ^ "Ansari stresses need for parliamentary decorum". The Hindu. 25 March 2013. Retrieved 15 January 2026.
  30. ^ "Rajya Sabha adjourned amid uproar". The Hindu. 18 March 2014. Retrieved 15 January 2026.
  31. ^ "Ten years as Vice President: Hamid Ansari's constitutional journey". Business Standard. 10 August 2017. Retrieved 15 January 2026.
  32. ^ a b "Hamid Ansari: versatile scholar, statesman". The Hindu. 21 July 2007. Archived from the original on 11 September 2007.
Wikimedia Commons has media related to Mohammad Hamid Ansari.
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