Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri gets extension till July 2026

New Delhi, Nov 11: The Appointments Committee of the Cabinet has announced the extension of Vikram Misri's tenure as Foreign Secretary of India until July 14, 2026, or until further orders, whichever is earlier. A press release issued by the Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances, and Pensions on November 11, 2024, confirmed the decision, extending Misri’s service beyond his scheduled retirement on November 30, 2024, under the provisions of FR 56(d).

A Seasoned Diplomat with Extensive Experience

Vikram Misri, an Indian Foreign Service (IFS) officer of the 1989 batch, brings a rich background in international diplomacy. As Misri's tenure as Foreign Secretary is extended, his vast experience and strategic insights are expected to play a crucial role in steering India's foreign policy amidst an increasingly complex global landscape.

Since his appointment as Foreign Secretary on July 15, 2024, Misri has been instrumental in navigating complex global engagements and advancing India’s foreign policy objectives. His career spans over three decades, with major assignments both within the Ministry of External Affairs and in Missions abroad.

Misri has worked on the Pakistan desk at the Ministry of External Affairs and as a staff member to prominent Foreign Ministers, including I.K. Gujral and Pranab Mukherjee. He further served as Joint Secretary in the Prime Minister’s Office, and as Private Secretary to three Prime Ministers: I.K. Gujral, Dr. Manmohan Singh, and Narendra Modi. These roles have given him unique insights into India’s foreign policy formulation and strategic decision-making processes.

Born in Srinagar, Jammu and Kashmir, Vikram Misri's early life and education were deeply influenced by the region's rich cultural heritage and its complex geopolitical landscape. He attended Burn Hall School and DAV School in Srinagar, followed by Carmel Convent School in Udhampur. Later, he completed his schooling at Scindia School in Gwalior, a prestigious institution known for nurturing future leaders.

Ambassador Vikram Misri is the third Kashmiri Pandit to hold the position of Foreign Secretary, following in the footsteps of predecessors R.K. Nehru (1952-1955) and T.N. Kaul (1968-1972). His roots in Jammu and Kashmir have shaped his perspective, providing him with a deep understanding of regional issues, which has been a valuable asset in his diplomatic engagements.