Randhir Jaiswal (L) and Arindam Bagchi. (Photo: X/@MEAIndia)
New Delhi: The Ministry of External Affairs has a new face to represent it to the media and the public. Randhir Jaiswal, an IFS officer of the 1998 batch, has assumed the role of the foreign ministry spokesman, on Wednesday, succeeding Arindam Bagchi, who has been appointed India’s representative to the United Nations and other international bodies in Geneva.
The official X handle of the MEA shared the news of the transition on the microblogging platform. (Please note that the name in the MEA India’s official handle on X has since changed to Randhir Jaiswal from Arindam Bagchi.)
The baton passes on!
— Randhir Jaiswal (@MEAIndia) January 3, 2024
Shri Randhir Jaiswal assumes charge as the Official Spokesperson of @MEAIndia as Shri Arindam Bagchi proceeds on overseas assignment. pic.twitter.com/Iqn9TGj00V
Jaiswal comes with a rich experience in diplomacy, having served as India’s consul general in New York, where he was lauded for his leadership and achievements by the consulate. He has also handled key portfolios in the foreign ministry, such as deputy secretary for US relations and joint secretary for the Americas.
Bagchi, an IFS officer of the 1995 batch, became the MEA spokesman in March 2021 and dealt with several critical and important issues, such as the border dispute with China, the Covid-19 crisis, India’s G20 presidency, and the rescue and evacuation of Indians from Sudan and Israel.
In Geneva, Bagchi will take over from Indra Mani Pandey, who is expected to return to New Delhi soon. Bagchi has previously served as India’s ambassador to Croatia and the deputy high commissioner to Sri Lanka. He has also worked in the Prime Minister’s Office and at India’s permanent mission to the UN in New York.
