Deputy National Security Advisor Vikram Misri has been appointed as the new Foreign Secretary of India, succeeding Vinay Kwatra. The appointment is set to take effect from July 15, according to a government order issued by the Ministry of Personnel. Misri, a 1989 batch Indian Foreign Service (IFS) officer, is known for his extensive experience and diplomatic acumen. He has previously served as the private secretary to Prime Ministers Inder Kumar Gujral, Manmohan Singh, and Narendra Modi. Misri’s last ambassadorial posting was in Beijing, where he played a key role in engagements with the Chinese government in the aftermath of the Ladakh standoff and the Galwan Valley clash in 2020.
Throughout his career, Misri has held various diplomatic positions in countries such as Spain, Myanmar, Belgium, Pakistan, the US, Sri Lanka, and Germany. His expertise in handling international relations, particularly with China, has been widely recognized. It is reported that incumbent Foreign Secretary Vinay Mohan Kwatra is set to move to the United States as the next envoy once his term ends. The Indian envoy post in Washington DC has been vacant since earlier this year after Taranjit Sandhu’s retirement. Additionally, there is a vacancy to be filled for India’s permanent representative to the United Nations in New York following the retirement of Ruchira Kamboj.
Jawed Ashraf, a former joint secretary in the Prime Minister’s Office, is expected to succeed Misri as the Deputy NSA. These developments come amidst a backdrop of evolving international relations and strategic engagements. Misri’s appointment is seen as a crucial step in furthering India’s foreign policy objectives and strengthening diplomatic ties with key nations. With his vast experience and diplomatic skills, Misri is poised to take on the responsibilities of his new role and navigate the complex geopolitical landscape to represent India’s interests on the global stage.
