Vikram Misri, currently serving as the Deputy National Security Advisor (NSA), has been appointed as the next Foreign Secretary of India. This appointment, effective from July 15, 2024, was announced on Friday. Misri will succeed Vinay Mohan Kwatra, who has been the Foreign Secretary since 2022. An official statement confirmed the curtailment of Misri’s tenure as Deputy NSA to facilitate his new role.
Transition for Vinay Mohan Kwatra
Vinay Mohan Kwatra, whose term was extended by six months earlier this year, is expected to take on a new role as India’s Ambassador to the United States. The position has been vacant since Taranjit Sandhu’s retirement in January. The Indian government is also considering candidates for the post of India’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations in New York, following Ruchira Kamboj’s retirement.
Profile of Vikram Misri
Early Life and Education
Born in Srinagar in 1964, Vikram Misri is now 59 years old. He completed his early education in Gwalior and later graduated with a degree in History from Hindu College, Delhi University. He further pursued an MBA from XLRI Jamshedpur, laying a strong foundation for his career in diplomacy.
Diplomatic Career
Misri entered the Indian Foreign Service (IFS) in 1989. His initial postings included Indian missions in Brussels and Tunis, where he gained significant diplomatic experience. In 2014, he was appointed as India’s Ambassador to Spain, and in 2016, he became the envoy to Myanmar. Misri has also served in Indian missions in Pakistan, the US, Sri Lanka, and Germany, showcasing a diverse and extensive career.
Role as Ambassador to China
One of Misri’s notable roles was as India’s Ambassador to China from 2019 to 2021. During this period, he played a pivotal role in negotiations with the Chinese government following the military standoff in the Ladakh sector of the Line of Actual Control (LAC) in May 2020. The clash in the Galwan Valley, which resulted in the death of 20 Indian soldiers and at least four Chinese troops, marked a significant event during his tenure. Misri was instrumental in advocating for cooperation between India and China, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, to expedite vaccine development.
Service as Private Secretary
Misri’s career also includes serving as the private secretary to three Prime Ministers: Inder Kumar Gujral (1997-1998), Manmohan Singh (2012-2014), and Narendra Modi (May to July 2014). This role provided him with a unique perspective on the highest levels of Indian governance and policy-making.
Current Role and Future Prospects
In January 2022, Misri joined the National Security Council. His appointment as the Foreign Secretary is seen as a continuation of his illustrious career. Reports suggest that India’s Ambassador to France, Jawed Ashraf, is likely to be appointed as the new Deputy NSA.
Upcoming Diplomatic Appointments
The Indian government is also in the process of appointing a new Ambassador to the United States and a Permanent Representative to the United Nations in New York. Vinay Mohan Kwatra, the current Foreign Secretary, is anticipated to be the next Ambassador to the US, a role that has been vacant since January.
Vikram Misri’s appointment as Foreign Secretary reflects his extensive experience and significant contributions to Indian diplomacy. As he steps into his new role, India is poised to navigate complex international relationships with a seasoned diplomat at the helm.
(With inputs from agencies)
