Deputy National Security Adviser Vikram Misri, an Indian Foreign Service (IFS) officer from the 1989 batch, is set to become the new foreign secretary. This follows the appointment of the current foreign secretary, Vinay Kwatra, as the next envoy to the United States. Kwatra, who received a six-month extension in March, is likely to move to Washington, a position vacant since January when Taranjit Sandhi retired.
"The Appointments Committee of the Cabinet has approved the appointment of Shri Vikram Misri, IFS (1989), Deputy National Security Advisor in the National Security Council Secretariat to the post of Foreign Secretary w.e.f. 15th July 2024 Vice Shri Vinay Kwatra," an official statement said on Friday.
Misri, known for his expertise on China, served as India's ambassador to Beijing before his current role in the National Security Council Secretariat, which he began in January 2022. His extensive experience makes him a suitable candidate for the foreign secretary post, especially given the ongoing challenges with China.
Jawed Ashraf, India's ambassador to France, is expected to replace Misri in the National Security Council Secretariat, reports suggest. Ashraf, who has served as joint secretary in the Prime Minister's Office under both Manmohan Singh and Narendra Modi, received a year-long extension that ends in September.
The government will also need to appoint a new permanent representative of India to the United Nations in New York, following the retirement of Ruchira Kamboj, the first woman to hold the position, at the beginning of this month.
Parvanthaneni Harish, currently the envoy to Germany and a 1990 batch IFS officer, and BN Reddy, the high commissioner to Malaysia from the 1993 batch, are the leading candidates for the UN role.
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