Vikram Misri, born on November 7, 1964, in Srinagar, Jammu and Kashmir, is a seasoned Indian diplomat currently serving as the 35th Foreign Secretary of India since July 15, 2024. A 1989 batch officer of the Indian Foreign Service (IFS), Misri has held several pivotal positions, both domestically and internationally, contributing significantly to India’s foreign policy and diplomatic engagements.
Vikram Misri: A Comprehensive Profile of India’s 35th Foreign Secretary
Early Life and Education
Misri’s formative years were spent in Jammu and Kashmir, where he attended Burn Hall School and DAV School in Srinagar, followed by Carmel Convent School in Udhampur. He later moved to the Scindia School in Gwalior, Madhya Pradesh, for his higher secondary education.
He pursued a Bachelor’s degree with Honours in History from Hindu College, University of Delhi, and subsequently earned an MBA from XLRI – Xavier Labour Relations Institute in Jamshedpur, Jharkhand.
Early Career
Before joining the Indian Foreign Service, Misri worked for three years in the advertising industry, with stints at Lintas India in Mumbai and Contract Advertising in Delhi. This experience in the private sector provided him with a unique perspective that he later brought into his diplomatic career.
Diplomatic Career
Misri joined the Indian Foreign Service in 1989. Over the years, he has served in various capacities:
- Prime Minister’s Office: He served as Private Secretary to three Indian Prime Ministers—Inder Kumar Gujral, Manmohan Singh, and Narendra Modi—demonstrating a high level of trust and competence. (Wikipedia)
- Ministry of External Affairs: Misri held positions on the Pakistan desk and served on the staffs of Foreign Ministers I.K. Gujral and Pranab Mukherjee. (Ministry of External Affairs)
- Foreign Postings: His overseas assignments include postings in Brussels, Tunis, Islamabad, and Washington, D.C. He also served as Deputy High Commissioner of India in Sri Lanka and Consul General of India in Munich.
- Ambassadorial Roles: Misri was appointed as the Ambassador of India to Spain and Myanmar. Notably, he served as the Ambassador to China from January 2019 to December 2021, a period marked by significant developments in India-China relations.
- Deputy National Security Advisor: From January 2022 until July 2024, Misri served as the Deputy National Security Advisor of India, playing a crucial role in shaping the country’s security policies.
Foreign Secretary of India
On July 15, 2024, Vikram Misri assumed the role of Foreign Secretary, succeeding Vinay Mohan Kwatra. In this capacity, he serves as the top diplomat and administrative head of the Ministry of External Affairs, advising the government on foreign policy matters and representing India on the global stage.
Personal Life and Interests
Misri is married to Dolly Misri, and the couple has two children. He is fluent in Hindi, English, and Kashmiri, and possesses a working knowledge of French. He is also a Fellow of the Aspen Institute USA’s India Leadership Initiative, now known as the Kamalnayan Bajaj Fellowship.
Legacy and Impact
Vikram Misri’s career reflects a blend of strategic insight, diplomatic acumen, and a deep understanding of international affairs. His contributions have been instrumental in navigating complex geopolitical landscapes and strengthening India’s position globally.
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