Vikram Misri, the current Deputy National Security Adviser and an Indian Foreign Service (IFS) officer of the 1989 batch is poised to become the next foreign secretary. Misri, known for his extensive experience, including serving as private secretary to three prime ministers, is expected to take on this pivotal role as part of the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) government’s upcoming reshuffle.
Meanwhile, Vinay Kwatra, the current foreign secretary who received a six-month extension in March, is likely to assume the role of India’s envoy to the United States in the coming months. This transition comes at a time when the position in Washington has been vacant since Taranjit Sandhu’s retirement in January.
Jawed Ashraf, India’s ambassador to France and a former joint secretary in the Prime Minister’s Office under both Manmohan Singh and Narendra Modi, is anticipated to succeed Misri in the National Security Council Secretariat. Ashraf’s extensive experience and previous roles make him a strong candidate for this crucial position.
Additionally, the incoming government will need to appoint a new permanent representative to the United Nations in New York, following the retirement of Ruchira Kamboj. Parvathaneni Harish and BN Reddy are among the frontrunners for this position, with other contenders including Vikram Doraiswami and Naveen Srivastava.
Sanjeev Singla, currently serving as the ambassador to Israel, is expected to be appointed as the next ambassador to France. Singla’s background, including his tenure as private secretary to the prime minister, makes him a suitable choice for this diplomatic role.
Furthermore, the government will need to select new ministers of state for external affairs, considering the departure of two ministers from the outgoing administration and the electoral defeat of another.
