According to reliable sources, there is a strong indication that senior diplomat Randhir Jaiswal (IFS:1998), India’s current Consul General in New York, is the frontrunner to assume the esteemed role of the Ministry of External Affairs’ spokesperson. If this speculation holds true, Jaiswal will succeed the outgoing spokesperson, Arindam Bagchi (IFS:1995).
Arindam Bagchi has been appointed India’s permanent representative to the United Nations (UN) in Geneva and is expected to join the post soon.
While the official announcement of this decision remains pending, it is apparent that Randhir Jaiswal has emerged as the likely candidate, as sources privy to the matter have indicated. However, it’s important to note that we must exercise patience and await the formal confirmation.
Earlier in the process, there was a prevailing buzz within the corridors of power about several notable officials being in the running for the prestigious role of spokesperson. Prominent among these contenders were Nagaraj Naidu Kakanur (IFS:1998), the joint secretary responsible for G20 affairs, and K Nandini Singla (IFS:1997), who currently serves as the esteemed high commissioner to Mauritius. These individuals were among the leading contenders for the position, but it appears that the spotlight has now shifted towards Randhir Jaiswal.
Randhir Jaiswal took up his post as India’s Consul General in New York in July 2020.
Jaiswal’s distinguished diplomatic career spans over two decades, during which he has held various challenging and prestigious positions. His international postings have taken him to countries such as Portugal, Cuba, and South Africa. Furthermore, he made significant contributions to India’s global engagements while serving at India’s permanent mission to the United Nations in New York, underscoring his expertise on the world stage.
Within the Ministry of External Affairs, Jaiswal has demonstrated his versatility by serving as the Deputy Secretary, responsible for managing and fostering relations with the United States, a pivotal bilateral partnership. He has also served as a Joint Secretary, overseeing relations with countries in Western Europe, further enriching his diplomatic experience.
In mid-2017, he was deputed to serve the President as the joint secretary responsible for international relations.
