From IFS Officer to India’s Foreign Secretary, What is the mystery behind Vikram Misri ?

According to an official announcement released on Friday, Deputy National Security Advisor Vikram Misri is set to become India’s next Foreign Secretary, replacing Vinay Kwatra, who received a six-month extension in March. The Appointments Committee of the Cabinet has authorized the nomination of Mr. Vikram Misri, effective July 15. Vinay Kwatra will hold the position until July 14 and is expected to become the Ambassador to the USA.

About Vikram Misri & His Experience

Early Career and Positions:

• Indian Foreign Service (IFS) Officer: Class of 1989.
• Deputy National Security Adviser (NSA): Took over from Pankaj Saran on January 1, 2022.
• Private Secretary: Served under Prime Ministers Manmohan Singh, Narendra Modi, and I.K. Gujral.
• Reporting to Ajit Doval: National Security Adviser.

Diplomatic Assignments:

• Ambassador to China: January 2019 to December 2021.
• Ambassador to Spain and Myanmar:
  • Spain: 2014 to 2016
  • Myanmar: 2016 to 2018
• Key Negotiator: Involved in negotiations with China during the Galwan Valley conflict in June 2020.
• Other Postings: Served in Indian embassies in Pakistan, the US, Germany, Belgium, Sri Lanka, and more.

Prime Minister's Office and Ministry of External Affairs:

• Prime Minister's Private Secretary:
  • Manmohan Singh (October 2012 to May 2014)
  • Joint Secretary in PMO (March 2012 to October 2012)
• Director, Office of External Affairs Minister: November 2006 to September 2008, reporting to Pranab Mukherjee.
• Other Positions: Under Secretary/Deputy Secretary for the Pakistan Desk (April 1998 to August 2000), and Under Secretary in the Office of the External Affairs Minister (November 1996 to April 1997).

Education and Personal Background:

• Birth: Srinagar, India, November 7, 1964.
• Education:
  • Elementary schooling in Gwalior.
  • Bachelor's degree in History from Hindu College, Delhi University.
  • MBA from XLRI, Jamshedpur.
• Early Diplomatic Career: Worked in Indian missions in Tunis and Brussels.

Appointment Committee

The Personnel Ministry stated that the Appointments Committee of the Cabinet has approved Vikram Misri's appointment as Foreign Secretary, effective July 15, concluding his tenure as Deputy NSA.

India-China Relations

Vikram Misri, often called a "China expert," is well known for his extensive knowledge and strong connections within the Chinese government. His notable roles include:

• Maintaining Communications: Played a crucial role in keeping lines of communication open with Chinese officials post-2020 Galwan Valley crisis.
• Secret Talks: Engaged in behind-the-scenes negotiations with Chinese authorities.
• Authority on China Relations: His appointment as Foreign Secretary highlights his expertise in managing India-China relations.

Other Notable Overseas Assignments

• Myanmar: Served as India's ambassador during the Rohingya crisis in Rakhine province (2016-2018).
• China: Ambassador from 2019 to 2021, a critical period for bilateral relations.

Vinay Kwatra's New Role

Vinay Kwatra is set to become India's Ambassador to the USA and New Delhi's permanent representative to the UN in New York. This follows the retirement of Taranjit Sandhu in January 2024.

Potential Successor as Deputy NSA

Sources indicate that Jawed Ashraf, India's ambassador to France, may succeed Vikram Misri as the next Deputy NSA.

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