Vikram Misri, the Deputy National Security Adviser (NSA), is now India’s foreign secretary. He takes over the mantle from Vinay Kwatra today (July 15). This announcement was made by the government last week, taking some by surprise given the unique aspects of Misri’s career and expertise.
The decision by the Appointments Committee of the Cabinet meant that Misri’s tenure as the deputy NSA got curtailed mid-way. This decision is seen as unconventional and significant for various reasons.
An unconventional choice
What makes Misri’s appointment as Foreign Secretary unusual is not just his impressive resume, but also the context and timing of his selection. Typically, the foreign secretary position is filled by career diplomats who have steadily risen through the ranks within the MEA.
Misri’s recent role as deputy NSA and his specialised focus on security issues present a departure from the conventional pathway. This appointment suggests a deliberate shift towards prioritising security and strategic expertise in foreign policy, reflecting the current geopolitical climate.
His movement for the National Security Council to the Ministry of External Affairs is a rare move, if not the first. The reverse has been more common.
Despite his foreign service career, Misri — having been India’s ambassador to China and Myanmar — built his reputation as a top executioner of policies in the NSA office.
Misri’s last ambassadorial posting was in Beijing from January 2019 to December 2021. He was India’s ambassador to China during the Galwan clashes. He is considered one of the top officials handling China affairs
Timing of Misri’s elevation
There is no denying that Misri’s diplomatic experience in China, which has been India’s core strategic competitor and also a challenge to its border security and Myanmar, a war-torn country with fluid borders and deep ethnic contacts with India, explains his appointment at a time when Beijing has emerged as a key modifier of geo-political and geo-strategic equations in the post-Cold War era.
There is also another aspect of the timing of his appointment — that two important members of the Western bloc — Canada and the US — have alleged intelligence operations by Indian operatives on their respective soils. As part of the NSA office, Misri is well abreast with all the relevant developments even as the alleged plots to assassinate pro-Khalistan Sikh separatists on the US and Canada soils continue to be investigated and discussed at diplomatic levels.
It also reflects a strategic shift
The appointment of Misri as Foreign Secretary can be seen as part of a broader strategic shift in India’s foreign policy approach. The decision to place someone with extensive experience in China and national security at the helm of the MEA underscores the government’s focus on addressing the multifaceted challenges posed by China. This move is also indicative of an increasing integration of national security considerations into foreign policy decisions.
His unconventional career path and expertise in China highlight a strategic shift in India’s approach to foreign policy, prioritising security and strategic considerations. As Misri steps into his new role, his leadership will be crucial in navigating the intricate dynamics of India’s international relations, particularly with its challenging neighbour, China.
A unique career path: From Srinagar to New Delhi
Born in Srinagar on November 7, 1964, Misri pursued his higher education in History from Hindu College, University of Delhi, and subsequently earned an MBA from XLRI, Jamshedpur. His career trajectory has seen him hold numerous significant positions.
He has served as the private secretary to three prime ministers: Inder Kumar Gujral, Manmohan Singh, and Narendra Modi, showcasing his adaptability and trust within the highest echelons of Indian politics.
As India looks to redefine its relations with China, having a foreign secretary with specialised knowledge in the affairs of its northern burly neighbour could be advantageous. During his ambassadorship in China, Misri dealt with the intricacies of India-China relations firsthand, an experience that will be invaluable in his new role.
A seasoned diplomat
Misri is an accomplished diplomat with a career spanning over three decades in the Indian Foreign Service (IFS), having joined in 1989. He was an under secretary in the MEA during IK Gujral’s government in the mid-1990s.
During the Atal Bihari Vajpayee government, Misri served as first an under secretary and then as a deputy secretary for the Pakistan Desk in the MEA from April 1998 to August 2000 — through the Kargil War.
His extensive experience includes serving as the ambassador to China, Spain, and Myanmar. He has also served in various Indian Missions in Europe, Africa, Asia, and North America. When late Pranab Mukherjee was the external affairs minister, Misri served as the director of the MEA.
Misri assumed the role of the deputy NSA in January 2022. This transition saw him working closely with National Security Adviser Ajit Doval. His tenure in the National Security Council Secretariat earned him the reputation of being a keen strategist.
Meanwhile, Vinay Kwatra’s next stop is in the US
Vinay Kwatra, the outgoing Foreign Secretary, is expected to be appointed as the next envoy to the United States. In March 2024, Kwatra received a six-month extension in service, underlining his significant contributions during his tenure. His move to the US comes at a critical juncture, as India seeks to strengthen its ties with Washington amidst shifting global alliances.
Who will succeed Misri in the NSA office?
No name has been announced yet but reports said Jawed Ashraf, currently India’s ambassador to France, could be the likely replacement for Misri as deputy NSA. Ashraf has previously served as the joint secretary in the PMO under both Manmohan Singh and Narendra Modi. His experience positions him well to take over the strategic responsibilities at the National Security Council Secretariat.
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Born in Kashmir, served in China | Why Vikram Misri’s choice as foreign secretary is ‘unusual’
