Vinay Mohan Kwatra takes charge as new foreign secretary

Experienced diplomat Vinay Mohan Kwatra assumed office as India’s new foreign secretary on Sunday, stepping into the role during a period marked by significant geopolitical events, including the crisis in Ukraine. A member of the 1988 batch of the Indian Foreign Service (IFS), Kwatra succeeded Harsh Vardhan Shringla, who retired from service the previous Saturday.

Prior to taking on the role of foreign secretary, Kwatra had been serving as India’s envoy to Nepal. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) spokesperson, Arindam Bagchi, announced the transition on Sunday, stating, “Shri Vinay Kwatra assumed charge as Foreign Secretary today morning. #TeamMEA wishes Foreign Secretary Kwatra a productive and successful tenure ahead.”

Kwatra is recognized for his extensive expertise in managing India’s diplomatic relationships, particularly with neighboring countries as well as the United States, China, and Europe.

Assuming the position against the backdrop of India navigating various geopolitical challenges, including the Ukraine conflict, the economic crisis in Sri Lanka, the situation in Afghanistan, and developments in the Indo-Pacific, Kwatra brings a wealth of experience to the role. Before his diplomatic assignment in Nepal in 2020, he served as the Ambassador of India to France from August 2017 to February 2020.

With a diplomatic career spanning over 32 years, Kwatra previously held key roles, including Joint Secretary in the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) for two years between October 2015 and August 2017. He also led the Policy Planning & Research Division of the Ministry of External Affairs from July 2013 to October 2015 and later served as the head of the Americas Division, where he managed India’s relations with the US and Canada.