Chokila Iyer takes charge as FS

Chokila Iyer takes charge as FS
PRESS TRUST OF INDIA

NEW DELHI, MARCH 13: Chokila Iyer today took charge as the country's first-ever woman Foreign Secretary observing there were ``plenty'' of challenges ahead for her.

``In any job one takes over there are challenges ahead. I think in this job there are plenty of them,'' Iyer told reporters in her South Block office in response to questions.

A 1964-batch Indian Foreign Service (IFS) officer, Iyer, a tribal from Sikkim, succeeds Lalit Mansingh, who leaves for Washington tomorrow for his new assignment as India's Ambassador to the US.

``I think in the present day, there have been lot of changes in the foreign policy. Government has taken a lot of positive steps which have helped in creating a very positive environment,'' she said adding, ``I look forward to carrying forward that momentum.''

Soft-spoken and unassuming Iyer, who came here mid-February from her posting as India's Ambassador to Ireland, has since been acquainting herself with the task ahead. Her tenure will run till June, 2002.

Asked how she felt occupying the top slot, Iyer, whose mother-tongue is Sikkimese, said, ``I think this is a great step forward. I am sure this will be an encouragement to all our young lady officers who are bright, conscientious and very hardworking.''

She said, ``I am glad that I am the first. In anything, there has to be a first and I happen to the first woman Foreign Secretary in the Ministry of External Affairs.''

Iyer went on to note, ``I am sure this will set a trend that will see many more lady foreign secretaries occupying this chair in the years to come.''

The new Foreign Secretary assumes charge of the assignment at a time when India's ties with US, Russia and other key countries, have gained momentum with the international community acknowledging New Delhi's increasing importance in world affairs.

Iyer has served as India's Ambassador in Mexico, besides getting posting in Berne and Mahe and working in senior capacities in the foreign office.

Extending her warm greetings to officers and personnel of MEA, she thanked all well-wishers who had greeted her. ``I really appreciate this gesture on their part.''

Saying she looked forward to carrying on her responsibility as the first woman Foreign Secretary, Iyer hoped to keep up the good work of her predecessors towards improving the country's external affairs relations.