The Indian government has appointed Deputy National Security Adviser (NSA) Vikram Misri as the next Foreign Secretary. Misri, a seasoned Indian Foreign Service (IFS) officer from the 1989 batch, previously served as India’s envoy to China during the critical Eastern Ladakh crisis. His adept handling of the situation, which impressed Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has led to his new role, set to begin on July 15.
Vikram Misri’s Career and Crisis Management
Vikram Misri’s tenure as India’s ambassador to China from January 2019 to December 2021 was marked by significant challenges, including the Galwan Valley clash and the subsequent military standoff at the Line of Actual Control (LAC) in Eastern Ladakh. During this period, Chinese troops intruded into Indian territories, leading to heightened tensions between the two nations. Misri played a pivotal role in negotiations with the Chinese government, aiming to de-escalate the situation, which resulted in the eventual withdrawal of Chinese troops from the contested regions.
Misri’s effective crisis management caught the attention of Prime Minister Modi, leading to his appointment as Deputy NSA on January 1, 2022. He succeeded Pankaj Saran, a retired IFS officer, in this role. Misri’s diplomatic acumen and experience were further highlighted by his previous service as private secretary to three Indian Prime Ministers: I.K. Gujral, Manmohan Singh, and Narendra Modi.
Vinay Kwatra’s New Role as Envoy to the US
Current Foreign Secretary Vinay Kwatra, also a distinguished IFS officer from the 1988 batch, is set to be appointed as India’s next ambassador to the United States. Kwatra, who was on an extension in his role as Foreign Secretary, brings over 34 years of diplomatic experience to his new position. He is expected to fill the post left vacant by Taranjit Singh Sandhu, who retired in January.
Kwatra’s tenure as Foreign Secretary began in April 2022, during which he navigated complex issues in India’s foreign relations. Notably, he was not the most senior officer at the time of his appointment, but his impressive performance as joint secretary in the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) from October 2015 to August 2017 earned him the role. His stint as India’s ambassador to France from August 2017 to February 2020 was marked by the successful implementation of the Rafale fighter jet deal, a significant milestone in Indo-French relations.
Strategic Appointments and Diplomatic Movements
Kwatra’s move to Washington comes at a time when India-US relations are progressing but facing certain challenges, including issues related to religious freedom and the alleged assassination plot against Gurpatwant Singh Pannu. His familiarity with both US and Chinese diplomatic landscapes, due to his fluency in French and previous service in these countries, positions him well to handle these complexities.
Additionally, there are speculations about Ambassador Jawed Ashraf, currently serving in France, potentially replacing Misri as Deputy NSA. Ashraf has been instrumental in ensuring the timely delivery of Rafale jets to India and has extensive experience, having previously served as India’s ambassador to Singapore and as joint secretary in the PMO.
Meanwhile, other significant diplomatic appointments include Ravish Kumar, who has been posted as India’s new ambassador to the Czech Republic. Kumar’s appointment follows the extradition of Nikhil Gupta, an Indian-origin individual accused of plotting Pannu’s murder, from the Czech Republic to the US, underscoring the interconnected nature of these diplomatic roles.