Vikram Misri, born on November 7, 1964, in Srinagar, India, is a notable Indian diplomat currently serving as the 35th Foreign Secretary of India. His career, spanning over three decades, has seen him hold several significant positions within the Indian Foreign Service (IFS) and the Indian government.
Early Life and Education
Misri hails from a Kashmiri Hindu family. He completed his early education at The Scindia School in Gwalior. He pursued a bachelor’s degree in history from Hindu College, University of Delhi, and later earned an MBA from XLRI – Xavier Labour Relations Institute, Jamshedpur. These educational foundations provided Misri with a diverse skill set that he would leverage throughout his diplomatic career.
Personal life and Career Beginnings
Vikram Misri is married to Dolly Misri, and they have two children. He is known for his linguistic skills, being fluent in English, Hindi, and Kashmiri, with working knowledge of French and Spanish. Misri’s polyglot abilities have been a significant asset in his diplomatic career, allowing him to communicate effectively in diverse international settings.
Before joining the Indian Foreign Service, Misri worked for three years in the advertising industry. In 1989, he entered the IFS, marking the beginning of an illustrious diplomatic career. His early assignments included postings in Brussels and Tunis, where he served in various capacities between 1991 and 1996.
Significant Diplomatic Roles And Ambassador to China-Vikram Misri
Misri’s career trajectory within the IFS has been marked by several high-profile assignments. From 1997 to 1998, he served as the Private Secretary to Prime Minister Inder Kumar Gujral. His diplomatic acumen was further recognized with subsequent roles, including the position of Private Secretary to Prime Ministers Manmohan Singh and Narendra Modi.
In 2014, Misri was appointed as the Indian Ambassador to Spain, followed by his appointment as the Ambassador to Myanmar in 2016. His tenure in these roles was noted for strengthening India’s bilateral relations with these countries.
One of Misri’s most challenging and prominent assignments was his role as the Indian Ambassador to China from January 2019 to December 2021. During this period, he played a crucial role in navigating the complex and often tense relations between India and China, particularly during the 2020-2021 border skirmishes. Misri facilitated several high-level meetings aimed at de-escalating tensions and managing the diplomatic fallout from the Galwan Valley clashes.
Foreign Secretary of India
On July 15, 2024, Vikram Misri was appointed as the Foreign Secretary of India, succeeding Vinay Mohan Kwatra. In this capacity, he is responsible for overseeing India’s foreign relations and diplomatic missions worldwide. His extensive experience and deep understanding of global geopolitics are expected to guide India’s foreign policy in an increasingly complex international landscape.
Misri’s career is distinguished by his ability to handle sensitive and high-stakes diplomatic situations with finesse. His roles in managing India’s relations with key global powers and his contributions to strategic policy-making have left a lasting impact on India’s diplomatic landscape. As the current Foreign Secretary, Misri continues to play a vital role in shaping India’s foreign policy and advancing its national interests on the global stage.
In summary, Vikram Misri’s journey from an advertising professional to one of India’s top diplomats is a testament to his dedication, skill, and strategic vision. His contributions to Indian diplomacy and national security underscore his significance as a key figure in contemporary international relations.
