Government grants one-year extension to Foreign Secretary

The Appointments Committee of the Cabinet (ACC) has approved a one-year extension in the tenure of Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri, according to an order issued by the Department of Personnel and Training (DoPT) on Wednesday.

Misri, a 1989-batch Indian Foreign Service (IFS) officer, will continue in service beyond his scheduled retirement date of July 14, 2026.

According to the Government order, the ACC has approved the extension of Misri’s service for one year beyond July 14, 2026, allowing him to remain in office until July 14, 2027, or until further orders, whichever is earlier.

“The Appointments Committee of the Cabinet has approved the extension in service of Shri Vikram Misri, IFS (1989), Foreign Secretary, for a period of one year beyond 14.07.2026, i.e., up to 14.07.2027, or until further orders, whichever is earlier, in terms of the provisions of F.R. 56(d),” the order stated.

The order was issued on July 1, 2026, by the Secretariat of the Appointments Committee of the Cabinet under the Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions, Department of Personnel and Training.

The communication was signed by Manisha Saxena, Secretary, Appointments Committee of the Cabinet and Establishment Officer.

The extension ensures continuity in the leadership of the Ministry of External Affairs, with Misri set to continue as India’s top diplomat for another year under the provisions of Fundamental Rule 56(d), which governs extensions in service for eligible Government officials.