Harsh Vardhan Shringla, a distinguished former Foreign Secretary of India, has recently been nominated to the Rajya Sabha. This nomination recognizes his decades of service in the Indian Foreign Service (IFS) and his contributions to shaping India's diplomatic engagements on the global stage.
Shringla is a 1984-batch IFS officer with a career spanning over 35 years. During his time in the IFS, he has held several key positions, including India's Ambassador to the United States, High Commissioner to Bangladesh, and Ambassador to Thailand. His expertise in diplomacy and international relations is widely recognized. He served as India's Foreign Secretary from January 2020 to April 2022, a period marked by significant global challenges, including the COVID-19 pandemic.
As Foreign Secretary, Shringla played a crucial role in navigating India's diplomatic responses to the pandemic, coordinating with other countries to ensure the supply of essential medicines and equipment, and working towards the repatriation of Indian citizens stranded abroad. He also oversaw India's engagement with various multilateral forums, including the United Nations, the G20, and the Non-Aligned Movement, advocating for India's interests and promoting its vision of a more equitable and sustainable world order. In 2023, Shringla served as Chief Coordinator for India's G20 presidency.
Shringla's nomination to the Rajya Sabha is seen as a move by the government to bring experienced professionals into the legislative process. The President of India nominates individuals with special knowledge or practical experience in fields like literature, science, art, and social service to the Rajya Sabha. Shringla's expertise in foreign policy and international affairs is expected to enrich the debates and discussions in the Upper House of Parliament. The nomination, made under Article 80 of the Constitution, highlights the government's intention to leverage the skills and knowledge of experienced individuals for the benefit of the country.