The Appointments Committee of Cabinet has approved a one-year extension for Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri, effective from July 14, 2026, until July 14, 2027, or until further orders. The decision comes just three months before India is set to host the BRICS leaders' summit in New Delhi in September 2026.
India to Host BRICS Leaders Summit
The BRICS summit is a flagship event for India, with invitations extended to the top leadership of Russia, China, South Africa, and Brazil, as well as new members Iran and the United Arab Emirates. The gathering is expected to address key global issues and strengthen cooperation among member nations.
Misri's Expertise and Career Highlights
Misri, who turns 62 in November, is widely regarded as an expert on China and national security. He assumed charge as India's Foreign Secretary in July 2024, shortly after Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led NDA alliance secured a third consecutive term in office. A 1989-batch Indian Foreign Service officer, Misri has navigated numerous geopolitical challenges, including the downturn in India-US relations following Donald Trump's return in January 2025. He also played a pivotal role in the thawing of India-China relations in October 2024 after the prolonged eastern Ladakh border row.
Misri has served in various capacities at the Ministry of External Affairs, in the Prime Minister’s Office, and in Indian missions across Europe, Africa, Asia, and North America. He holds the rare distinction of serving as private secretary to three prime ministers: Inder Kumar Gujral, Manmohan Singh, and Narendra Modi.
Key Diplomatic Roles
Misri served as India’s ambassador to China from 2019 to 2021 and is believed to have played a key role in talks between India and China after tensions flared following the Galwan Valley clashes in June 2020. He also served as India’s ambassador to Spain (2014-2016) and Myanmar (2016-2018), with additional stints in missions including Pakistan, the United States, Germany, Belgium, and Sri Lanka.
Born in Srinagar, Misri completed his early education at Burn Hall School and DAV School in Srinagar, and Carmel Convent School in Udhampur, Jammu and Kashmir. He finished his schooling at Scindia School in Gwalior, earned a Bachelor’s degree with honours in history from Hindu College, University of Delhi, and an MBA from XLRI, Jamshedpur.
