New Delhi: Vikram Misri, the Deputy National Security Adviser, was appointed as the Foreign Secretary of India on Friday. Misri, an Indian Foreign Service (IFS) officer from the 1989 batch, holds the unique distinction of having served as the private secretary to three different Prime Ministers. His notable career spans several key diplomatic roles, showcasing his expertise and dedication to Indian foreign policy.Early life and careerBorn on November 7, 1964, Vikram Misri embarked on his diplomatic journey after completing his education and working for three years in advertising. He joined the Indian Foreign Service in 1989, marking the beginning of a distinguished career in diplomacy. Between 1991 and 1996, Misri served in various capacities at the Indian missions in Brussels and Tunis, gaining valuable experience in international relations.Deputy National Security Advisor Vikram Misri to be the next Foreign Secretary with effect from 15th July pic.twitter.com/9IKQVfmc2S— ANI (@ANI) June 28, 2024Serving three Prime MinistersMisris career took a big turn in 1997 when he was appointed as the Private Secretary to Prime Minister Inder Kumar Gujral. This role allowed him to work closely with the highest levels of government, providing him with insights and experience that would prove invaluable in his later roles. His expertise was further recognized when he was appointed the private secretary to Prime Minister Manmohan Singh in 2012. When Narendra Modi succeeded Singh in 2014, Misri continued in his role.Ambassadorial rolesIn 2014, Misri was appointed as the Indian Ambassador to Spain, where he served until 2016. His tenure in Spain was marked by efforts to strengthen bilateral relations between the two countries. Following this, he was appointed as the Indian Ambassador to Myanmar, a role in which he worked to enhance Indias diplomatic presence and influence in the region.Ambassador to ChinaOne of the most important appointments in Misris career came in January 2019 when he was appointed as the Ambassador of India to China. His tenure in China was particularly challenging, marked by the 2020–2021 China–India skirmishes. During this period, Misri held a series of critical meetings with senior Chinese officials, including Liu Jianchao, to address and discuss the escalating tensions between the two countries. His diplomatic skills were crucial in navigating the complexities of this sensitive period in India-China relations.Deputy National Security AdviserOn January 1, 2022, Misri took over as the Deputy National Security Adviser of India, succeeding Pankaj Saran. In this role, he continued to contribute to Indias strategic and security policies, leveraging his extensive experience in diplomacy and international relations.
