Senior diplomat Vijay Keshav Gokhale was today appointed foreign secretary for a two-year fixed term, succeeding S Jaishankar who completes his tenure on 28 January, according to an official order.
Gokhale, a 1981 batch officer of the Indian Foreign Services (IFS), was India's envoy to China. Previously, he held the posts of Ambassador to Germany (October 2013 to January 2016), Ambassador to Malaysia (January 2010 to October 2013) and Director General, India-Taipei Association, Taiwan.
He is at present secretary (economic relations) in the Ministry of External Affairs. The Appointments Committee of the Cabinet has approved Gokhale's appointment to the post, said the order issued by the Department of Personnel and Training.
Jaishankar was appointed foreign secretary on 29 January 2015, for two years. He was given a one-year extension in January last year. He had in turn served as Indian Ambassador to the United States from 2013 to 2015, and China from 2009 to 2013.
(At The Quint, we are answerable only to our audience. Play an active role in shaping our journalism by becoming a member. Because the truth is worth it.)