In a move aimed at ensuring continuity and stability in crucial bureaucratic positions as the country approaches general elections, the Bharatiya government has granted a surprising six-month extension to Foreign Secretary Vinay Mohan Kwatra. This decision, announced on March 12, extends Kwatra’s tenure until the end of October 2024, well beyond the initial expiration date at the end of April this year.
The decision, made by the Appointments Committee of the Cabinet, was based on principles of public interest outlined in the Fundamental Rules (FR). Specifically, Clause 56(d) of the rules provides guidelines for granting extensions to senior officials, including the highest-ranking secretaries. These guidelines were amended by the Modi government in 2021 to offer clear directives for extensions in such positions.
Vinay Mohan Kwatra, a seasoned bureaucrat from the 1988 batch, assumed the role of Foreign Secretary in April 2022. Initially appointed for a two-year term, his tenure was extended through subsequent orders until April 30, 2024. The recent extension, granted for six months, falls within the parameters set forth by the amended rules, allowing for a further extension of up to one year beyond the initial two-year period.
While the decision to extend Kwatra’s term provides stability at the helm of the Ministry of External Affairs, it also brings attention to several other vacant diplomatic posts, notably the positions of Ambassadors to the United States and Russia. The Bharatiya Ambassador to Washington’s post has been vacant since January, following the retirement of Ambassador Taranjit Singh Sandhu. Similarly, Bharat’s Ambassador to Moscow, Pavan Kapoor, returned to Delhi in February after being appointed Secretary (West) in the MEA.
Speculative reports in service journals had suggested potential reshuffles in diplomatic postings, with Kwatra potentially being considered for the Ambassadorship to Washington. Deputy National Security Adviser Vikram Misri, also a senior officer, was speculated to succeed Kwatra as Foreign Secretary, or vice versa, in the run-up to the announcement regarding Kwatra’s extension.
The government’s decision to extend Vinay Mohan Kwatra’s term underscores its commitment to maintaining stability and expertise in key bureaucratic positions during a critical period for the nation’s foreign affairs and diplomatic engagements.
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