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The appointment of the 58-year-old seasoned diplomat comes at a time when India's relations with Pakistan are going through testing times in the wake of the 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks.
"I strongly believe that our diplomacy and our diplomats play a vital role in promoting national interest and safeguarding our national goals of development in an atmosphere of peace and security," she said after assuming charge at South Block in New Delhi.
Rao, a 1973-batch IFS officer succeeds Shivshankar Menon, who demitted his office yesterday after a stint of two years and ten months.
"Today, in a rapidly evolving world situation, the task is to further augment our diplomatic and professional capabilities as we are called upon to play an even more prominent role in world affairs.
"This will be an important area of focus in my new responsibilities. The foreign policy interests of our nation encompass a number of areas, which are both regional and global, and which concern relations with our neighbours and the world beyond", she said.
Rao is the second women after Chokila Iyer to hold the post of Foreign Secretary. "Economic diplomacy and public diplomacy are also issues that demand increased attention. We are called upon as diplomats to deal with a number of these issues, at any one given time, in a manner that is focused, mature and balanced, that is persuasive and has vision and long term perspective," Rao said.
"This is an absorbing task and I look forward to it with great hope and optimism," she said.
Besides Pakistan, dealing with other nations of the "turbulent" neighbourhood would be among her foremost challenges.
The diplomat, who was ambassador to China before her new assignment, will have a tenure of 17 months as the top foreign ministry official.
Prior to her stint in China, she has served in various key positions, including India's High Commissioner to Sri Lanka and was the first woman spokesperson of the External Affairs Ministry.
Earlier, she had served in the Indian Missions in Washington and Moscow, besides having a stint in the Ministry of External Affairs as Joint Secretary (East Asia).
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My best wishes to the New Foreign secretary. Let us hope she does not replicate the blunders of her predecessors.
work in mostprofessional manner not only as big boss of juniors and yes sir to politician and pass your tenure prove your capability and achive something great for india -all the best madam
I convey my heartiest Congratulations to Ms.Rao on her new designation as India's Foreign secretary. There is no doubt that she will prove and protect India's foreign policies as and when required. Its Obvious the great recongition to women cadre and wish her once again to have a successful tenure during her office as Foreign secretary.
She is one of the most beautiful Foreign Secretary with one of the best brain. I send my best wishes and congratulations. May my country prosper under your supervision. May the world know my Bharat more positively.
Shivshankar Menon kicked out after the sharm or sharm-shake? Or was the resolution drafted in bitterness and vengeance by menon for not getting an extension? However given that Sonhaiya Gundi will not allow anyone of merit to hold any important post where India's national interest may be in jeopardy, hard to see how Niropuma will be of any good capability other than maska polish to dynasty.
It is really a great day in India's history that a woman is nominated to be the coveted post of foreign secy.. my hearty congrats may she achieve good objectives of international peace and growth in international relations... all the best for your tenure....
Congratulations Mrs. Rao or should I say Madam Secretary. I saw your interviews a couple of times on TV and knew you will make it to bigger positions in the future. All the very best.
I hope Rao is good at 'drafting', unlike her predecessor, who made a mess, in Egypt, with the Indo-Pak joint statement. In the service academies, the probationers should be taught drafting. There will then be less bloomers committed.
Being UN civil servant I had seen Rao (probably working at that time in the Indian Mission for UN at NY)participating in some of the UN discussions. She appeared clear headed, articulate and quite persuasive, qualities that should come handy in her current job. With the kind of politicians and bureaucracy with big egos running this country, may be we can do with more Nirupamas, God willing. Never mind about India's foreign policy et al, it is indeed yet another great recognition for Indian womanhood. God Bless.
i love that views
Efficient,disciplined,intellegent,hard working,brilliant and smart person is Nirupama Rao.Her talents have been rewarded at the right and crucial time.Wish her and our great nation all the best.
Our women have performed in every field better than our man. Wish you could make our PM (please remove his bangles) and Foreign Minister look like man and not appear like man.Be careful both are good at making false statements, yet are called great. - I call them "GIANT" (joint) probelm for you.