Foreign secretary Vikram Misri gets fresh one-year extension
Vikram Misri gets fresh one-year extension. (Image courtesy: Wikimedia)
New Delhi: The Appointments Committee of the Cabinet (ACC) has approved the tenure extension of the foreign secretary, Vikram Misri, by one year. Misri, who was to retire on July 14 this year, will now serve until July 14, 2027. The Centre took this decision under Fundamental Rule 56 (d), which empowers the government to retain a senior official in service beyond the age of retirement.
This is Misri’s second service extension, previously a 19-month extension was granted beyond his superannuation date of November 30, 2024. A 1989-batch Indian Foreign Service (IFS) officer, Misri was appointed foreign secretary on July 15, 2024, succeeding Vinay Mohan Kwatra. Prior to joining as foreign secretary, he served as the deputy national security advisor (DNSA).
One of the country’s most seasoned diplomats, Misri has had a lengthy diplomatic career. He has been ambassador to China from 2019-21 (covering one of the most difficult times for bilateral ties after the Galwan valley clashes), as well as ambassador to Myanmar (2016-18), and ambassador to Spain (2014-16). He has also held diplomatic roles in countries like Pakistan, the USA, Germany, Belgium, Sri Lanka, and Tunisia.
In addition to his extensive overseas experience, Misri has held high-level jobs in the Prime Minister’s Office, most recently the position of joint secretary, and also served as private secretary to three different prime ministers – IK Gujral, Manmohan Singh, and Narendra Modi – giving him a wealth of experience in dealing with foreign policy at the highest level.
The reasons for extending his tenure have not been disclosed by government sources. However, the decision to continue with him as India’s foreign secretary comes at a time when New Delhi continues to address global conditions of a complex and volatile environment that has included changing relationships with China and Pakistan, as well as major engagements with great powers and preparedness for the BRICS Summit scheduled later this year.
