Shringla takes charge as FS; calls for global 'undifferentiated, unambiguous' approach to terrorism

New Delhi, Jan 29 (PTI) Seasoned diplomat Harsh Vardhan Shringla took charge as India's next foreign secretary on Wednesday, and asserted that he would work with India's partners on key issues, including ensuring an "undifferentiated and unambiguous" approach to terrorism.

A 1984-batch officer of Indian Foreign Service (IFS) who last served as India's envoy to US, Shringla replaces Vijay Gokhale and has a fixed two-year tenure. Gokhale retired on Tuesday.

Shringla is taking over high-profile post at a time when India is facing several foreign policy challenges including battling criticism from some countries and international fora of country's new citizenship law.

In a statement after assuming charge, Shringla said he looks forward to working with India's many international partners on several fronts, including enhancing developmental and ecomic links, connectivity with neighbours, sustaining gains of a rules-based multilateral order as well as "seeking a shared, undifferentiated and unambiguous approach to terrorism and threat it poses to free societies".

Several or recent opportunities and challenges related to cyber domain and emerging techlogies will also receive attention during his tenure, 57-year-old diplomat said, ding that external affairs ministry fully appreciates critical nature of se issues for country and planet.

"I entered IFS during Cold War and I am entering FS' office at a time when global warming has become a pressing concern," he said in statement.

Sharing Indian developmental experience with countries of global South, especially with friends in Africa and Latin America, will continue to be a priority, Shringla said, ding that he also looks forward to opening of new diplomatic missions and inauguration of new initiatives.

Speaking to reporters before taking charge, Shringla said he was very clear that foreign service is a public service and its every effort should be dedicated to contributing towards nation in form of its security and prosperity through external engments.

"I am as committed to ministry's role in nation-building as I was almost 36 years ago when I entered se portals as a young professional. I look forward to functioning under guidance of Prime Minister and External Affairs Minister, our political leership and with support and cooperation of my colleagues both within ministry and outside," he said.

Welcoming Shringla, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar tweeted that he was confident that new FS' warm personality and ermous experience would help take "Team MEA" to greater heights.

In his statement, Shringla also said,"we are service providers to our citizens and our people, wher at home or abro. Enhancing security and prosperity of India through external ties and well-being of all Indians, wherever y may be, is our mission statement."

seniority principle was t followed in appointing Shringla to top post. Indian High Commissioner to UK Ruchi Ghanshyam, a 1982-batch IFS officer, was also in contention for post.

Shringla h played an important role in successful hosting of "Howdy Modi" event in Houston in September where US President Donald Trump and Prime Minister Narendra Modi jointly dressed Indian diaspora.

"I am conscious of fact that I am stepping into shoes of my illustrious seniors and stalwarts who have upheld highest standards of professionalism and integrity to ir work. In this context my two immediate predecessors come to mind -- Foreign Secretary Vijay Gokhale, who has set impeccably high standards, and Jaishankar, who we kw is one of leing authorities on foreign policy in India and anywhere in world," Shringla told reporters.

During his diplomatic career, Shringla has held several positions in New Delhi and abro, and is considered an expert on India's neighbourhood.

He has served as India's top envoy to Banglesh and Thailand. He has also served in France, Vietnam, Israel and South Africa.

In hequarters of ministry here, Shringla has also served as Joint Secretary looking after India's ties with Banglesh, Sri Lanka, Myanmar and Maldives. He has also heed ministry's United Nations Political and SAARC divisions.

Shringla is a gruate from prestigious St. Stephen's College of Delhi University. He has also worked in corporate and public sectors before joining IFS. PTI ASK PYK

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