Foreign Secretary Kwatra receives extension for 16-months

Foreign Secretary Vinay Mohan Kwatra’s tenure has been extended for 16 months beyond his date of superannuation on December 31 this year, a government order said.

Kwatra, on May 1 assumed charge as the new Foreign Secretary of the country, informed Ministry of External Affairs Spokesperson Arindam Bagchi. “Vinay Kwatra assumed charge as Foreign Secretary today morning. #TeamMEA wishes Foreign Secretary Kwatra a productive and successful tenure ahead,” tweeted Bagchi.

According to the government orders, “The Appointments Committee of the Cabinet has approved extension in service to ‘Shri Vinay Mohan Kwatra, (IFS:1988), as Foreign Secretary beyond the date of his superannuation ie. 31.12.2022 up to 30.04.2024 or until further orders, whichever is earlier, in the public interest as per provisions of Fundamental Rule 56 (3).”

The extension comes at a time when India is all set to assume G20 presidency on 1^st December.

According to the sources, in its presidency, India will host over 200 meetings across the nation in 50 cities. India will host the G-20 leaders’ summit in New Delhi on September 9 and 10 in 2023 under its Presidency, said the Ministry of External Affairs press release.  As per the sources, the meetings will take place in less explored parts of the country at very exotic locations of India.