Vikram Misri, currently serving as Deputy National Security Adviser (NSA) in the National Security Council Secretariat, has been appointed as India’s next Foreign Secretary. The government announced the decision on Friday after the approval of the Appointments Committee of the Cabinet. Misri will assume his new role on July 15, replacing outgoing Foreign Secretary Vinay Kwatra.
Tenure curtailed
The Personnel Ministry order also includes approval for curtailment of Misri’s tenure as Deputy NSA, a post he will leave to assume his new responsibilities as Foreign Secretary.
Vinay Kwatra’s new role
Current Foreign Secretary Vinay Kwatra is expected to become the next envoy to the United States. In March 2024, Kwatra was given a six-month extension in his service, allowing him to continue in his role until Misri’s appointment takes effect.
About Vikram Misri
Vikram Misri is a seasoned diplomat who belongs to the 1989 batch of the Indian Foreign Service (IFS). During his career, he has held several key positions, including serving as Private Secretary to three Indian Prime Ministers: Narendra Modi, Manmohan Singh and Inder Kumar Gujral. ​​His extensive experience and deep understanding of both national and international affairs make him a suitable candidate for the role of Foreign Secretary.
This overview provides a comprehensive summary of recent developments regarding the appointment of Vikram Misri as India’s new Foreign Secretary and highlights his distinguished career in the Indian Foreign Service.
Vikram Misri: Newly Appointed Foreign Secretary and China Expert
Expertise on China
India’s newly appointed Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri is widely known for his expertise on China. His last ambassadorial post was in Beijing, where he worked from January 2019 to December 2021, a period marked by significant events, including the Galwan clash between Indian and Chinese troops. Misri’s deep understanding of China and his role in handling China affairs within the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has established him as one of the top officials in the field. Experts believe that his critical insights about China, a primary foreign policy challenge for India, make him exceptionally well suited for his new role as Foreign Secretary.
Early Life and Education
Born on November 7, 1964 in Srinagar, Vikram Misri has an illustrious academic background. He graduated in History from Hindu College, University of Delhi and later did an MBA from XLRI, Jamshedpur. His education laid a strong foundation for his distinguished career in diplomacy.
Career highlights
Misri has an extensive career in the Indian Foreign Service (IFS), starting from the 1989 batch, which includes various important roles:
Private secretary to three Indian prime ministers: Narendra Modi, Manmohan Singh and Inder Kumar Gujral.
Appointment to ambassadorial post in Beijing: Misri was India’s ambassador to China during a crucial period, including the Galwan clashes.
Deputy NSA: Since January 2022, Misri has been serving in the National Security Council Secretariat, where he reports to NSA Ajit Doval.
Replacement as deputy NSA
With Misri moving into the role of foreign secretary, India’s ambassador to France Javed Ashraf is likely to succeed him in the National Security Council Secretariat. Ashraf, who has previously served as joint secretary in the Prime Minister’s Office under both Manmohan Singh and Narendra Modi, is considered a strong candidate for the deputy NSA post.
Conclusion
Vikram Misri’s appointment as Foreign Secretary comes at a time when his expertise, particularly with regard to China, is highly valued. His extensive diplomatic experience and deep understanding of foreign policy challenges enable him to understand the complexities of India’s international relations.
MCQ about the Information
Who will take over as the next Foreign Secretary of India?
A. Vinay Kwatra
B. Ajit Doval
C. Vikram Misri
D. S. Jaishankar
Answer: C. Vikram Misri
When will Vikram Misri assume the role of Foreign Secretary?
A. July 1
B. July 15
C. August 1
D. August 15
Answer: B. July 15
What position did Vikram Misri hold before being appointed as Foreign Secretary?
A. National Security Advisor
B. Deputy National Security Advisor
C. Ambassador to the US
D. Foreign Minister
Answer: B. Deputy National Security Advisor
Which committee approved Vikram Misri’s appointment as Foreign Secretary?
A. National Security Council
B. Foreign Affairs Committee
C. Appointments Committee of the Cabinet
D. Personnel Ministry
Answer: C. Appointments Committee of the Cabinet
Who is Vikram Misri replacing as Foreign Secretary?
A. S. Jaishankar
B. Ajit Doval
C. Vinay Kwatra
D. Harsh Vardhan Shringla
Answer: C. Vinay Kwatra
What position is Vinay Kwatra expected to take on next?
A. Foreign Secretary of India
B. Deputy National Security Advisor
C. National Security Advisor
D. Envoy to the US
Answer: D. Envoy to the US
In which month and year was Vinay Kwatra given a six-month extension in service?
A. January 2024
B. February 2024
C. March 2024
D. April 2024
Answer: C. March 2024
Which Prime Ministers did Vikram Misri serve as a private secretary to?
A. Narendra Modi and Manmohan Singh
B. Manmohan Singh and Inder Kumar Gujral
C. Narendra Modi, Manmohan Singh, and Inder Kumar Gujral
D. Rajiv Gandhi, Narendra Modi, and Manmohan Singh
Answer: C. Narendra Modi, Manmohan Singh, and Inder Kumar Gujral
What is Vikram Misri’s batch year in the Indian Foreign Service (IFS)?
A. 1985
B. 1989
C. 1990
D. 1995
Answer: B. 1989
Which ministry issued the order for Vikram Misri’s appointment as Foreign Secretary?
A. Ministry of External Affairs
B. Ministry of Home Affairs
C. Personnel Ministry
D. Ministry of Defence
Answer: C. Personnel Ministry
