According to an official announcement from the Ministry of External Affairs, Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri will make his first overseas trip since assuming the position on July 19–20, 2024, when he will travel to Bhutan.
Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck, the King of Bhutan, will meet with Foreign Secretary Misri during the visit.
He will meet with Foreign Secretary Pema Choden and other high-ranking officials of the Royal Government of Bhutan, as well as Prime Minister Tshering Tobgay and Lyonpo DN Dhungyel, Minister of Foreign Affairs and External Trade. Additionally, the two foreign secretaries will co-chair the “Plan Talks,” or India-Bhutan Development Cooperation Talks.
The MEA added that the visit highlights the greatest value the Indian government places on its “Neighbourhood First” policy and is consistent with the history of frequent high-level engagements between India and Bhutan.
On July 15, Misri took over as India’s Foreign Secretary.
Warm thoughts and best wishes for a successful future tenure were sent to Foreign Secretary Misri by the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA).
The Ministry of External Affairs’ request to choose Vikram Misri as the next Foreign Secretary, replacing Vinay Mohan Kwatra, was accepted by the Appointments Committee of Cabinet (ACC).
As he said goodbye to departing Foreign Secretary Kwatra on July 14, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar recognized his significant contributions to India’s foreign policy and national security during the previous ten years. Kwatra’s strategic ability to formulate and implement important policies during his term was commended by Jaishankar.
“We appreciate the commitment and numerous efforts made by departing Foreign Secretary Vinay Kwatra in the areas of national security and foreign affairs. He has contributed to the development and implementation of many of our most important initiatives, especially in the past ten years. In a post on X, EAM Jaishankar offered his best wishes for his future endeavors.
The 59-year-old Misri holds the distinction of having been the private secretary to three prime ministers: Narendra Modi in 2014, Manmohan Singh in 2012, and Inder Kumar Gujral in 1997.
Misri was educated in Gwalior before being born in Srinagar in 1964. He has an MBA from XLRI and a Bachelor of Arts in History from Delhi University’s Hindu College.
As India’s ambassador to China, Misri was instrumental in talks between the two countries after the hostilities in the Galwan Valley in 2020, which were caused by Chinese military activity in Eastern Ladakh.
Misri began his career at the Indian embassies in Tunisia and Brussels. In 2014, he was appointed ambassador of India to Spain, and in 2016, to Myanmar. Additionally, he has served in a number of Indian diplomatic posts in North America and Africa.
