The Appointments Committee of the Cabinet approved Misri’s appointment as foreign secretary, effective July 15, according to an official notification
Vikram Misri, known for his expertise on China, has been appointed as India’s next foreign secretary. Misri, a 1989-batch Indian Foreign Service officer, will take over from Vinay Kwatra, who is expected to become India’s ambassador to the US.
The Appointments Committee of the Cabinet approved Misri’s appointment as foreign secretary, effective July 15, according to an official notification. Misri’s appointment comes as India faces various foreign policy challenges, including strained relations with China following the eastern Ladakh border dispute.
Misri has the unique distinction of having served as private secretary to three prime ministers – Inder Kumar Gujral, Manmohan Singh, and Narendra Modi. Before becoming the Deputy NSA, he was India’s ambassador to China from 2019 to 2021.
At 59, Misri played a significant role in talks between India and China after the Galwan Valley clashes in June 2020, which marked the most serious military conflict between the two countries in decades. Misri has also served as India’s ambassador to Spain (2014-2016) and Myanmar (2016-2018), and has had postings in Pakistan, the US, Germany, Belgium, and Sri Lanka.
India’s ambassador to France, Jawed Ashraf, is expected to be appointed the deputy NSA. The government is also in the process of appointing new envoys to the US and the United Nations in New York.
Vinay Kwatra is expected to be the next ambassador to the US, according to sources. The post has been vacant since Taranjit Sandhu retired in January. Kwatra received a six-month extension in March.
The position of India’s permanent representative to the UN is also vacant, as Ruchira Kamboj retires this month.
