on 13 august 1920, king-emperor george v issued the required order in council. until india became independent in 1947, the post was styled "high commissioner for india". the first high commissioner for india was indian civil service officer sir william stevenson meyer; the first of indian origin was sir dadiba merwanji dalal. the high commissioner enjoyed the same status as his counterparts from the british dominions. upon indian independence, the post was given the present designation.