Kashmir-born Vikram Misri has been appointed as India’s next Foreign Secretary, succeeding Vinay Mohan Kwatra, who received a six-month extension earlier this year and is expected to be appointed as India’s ambassador to the US.
A veteran of the 1989 batch of the Indian Foreign Service, Misri currently serves as Deputy National Security Adviser and has held distinguished roles including ambassadorships to China, Spain, and Myanmar, as well as serving as Private Secretary to several Prime Ministers.
Born on November 7, 1964, in Srinagar, Misri graduated in History from Hindu College, University of Delhi, and later earned an MBA from XLRI, Jamshedpur. He assumed his current role in the National Security Council Secretariat in January 2022, reporting to NSA Ajit Doval.
The Appointments Committee of the Cabinet has formally approved Misri’s appointment, which will take effect from July 15, according to an official notification.
His elevation to the role of Foreign Secretary comes at a critical juncture for India’s foreign policy, particularly amidst strained relations with China following the eastern Ladakh border disputes.
Misri, 59, has a notable career that includes serving as India’s ambassador to China during 2019-2021, where he played a significant role in diplomatic talks following the Galwan Valley clashes in June 2020.
His diplomatic assignments have spanned various countries including Spain, Myanmar, Pakistan, the US, Germany, Belgium, and Sri Lanka, showcasing his extensive international experience and diplomatic acumen.