Deputy National Security Adviser Vikram Misri, widely known as 'China expert' is India's next foreign secretary. He will be succeding incumbent Vinay Kwatra.
Misri’s name was approved by the Appointments Committee of the Cabinet. His new post of foreign secretary will come with effect from July 15.
Misri (59) is a 1989-batch Indian Foreign Service officer.
His appointment comes at a time when India faces several foreign policy challenges, including its strained relations with China following the border dispute in eastern Ladakh.
He had the rare opportunity of serving as private secretary to three prime ministers -- Inder Kumar Gujral, Manmohan Singh and Narendra Modi.
Misri served as India’s ambassador to China from 2019-2021. He is believed to have played a pivotal role in India-China talks after tensions intensified following the Galwan Valley clashes in June 2020. Following the Galwan Valley clash, the diplomatic ties between both countries deteriorated suddenly.
Earlier, Misri also served as India's ambassador to Spain (2014-2016) and Myanmar (2016-2018) besides having roles in many Indian missions including Pakistan, the US, Germany, Belgium and Sri Lanka.
Kwatra is expected to be the next ambassador to the US, while India’s ambassador to France, Jawed Ashraf is expected to be the next deputy NSA.
Reportedly, the government has initiated the process of appointing India's envoy to the US and New Delhi's permanent representative to the United Nations in New York.
Kwatra was given six months' extension in March.
After Ruchira Kamboj’s retirement, the position of India's permanent representative to the UN post is also lying vacant.
(With PTI inputs)