India

Breaking Boundaries: India Appoints First Woman To Lead Mission In Pakistan Since Independence

Geetika Srivastava, an IFS officer from the 2005 batch, is set to take on the role of Charge d’Affaires (CDA) in Islamabad. She will succeed Dr. M Suresh Kumar, who is expected to return to New Delhi.

Amid the current downgraded diplomatic status between the two nations, with no High Commissioners and the top diplomat being a Joint Secretary-ranked Charge d’Affaires (CDA), India has chosen a female IFS officer to head its High Commission in Pakistan.

Also Read: 29 August, 2023: Numerology Predictions As Per Your Lucky Number

Presently holding the position of Joint Secretary at the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) headquarters, Srivastava is responsible for overseeing the Indo-Pacific division.

Having learned Mandarin as part of her foreign language training, she previously served at the Indian Embassy in China from 2007 to 2009. Her experience also includes roles at the Regional Passport Office in Kolkata and as the Director of the Indian Ocean Region division within the MEA.

Also Read: SEBI Inquiry Uncovers Profits For 12 Firms Via Adani Shares Short Selling During Hindenburg Report Probe

Since 1947, when Sri Prakasa was appointed as the Indian High Commissioner to the former Dominion of Pakistan, New Delhi’s representation has consistently been composed of male diplomats. Over the years, there have been a total of 22 heads of mission.

Ajay Bisaria, the previous Indian High Commissioner to Islamabad, was recalled when Pakistan chose to downgrade the High Commission’s status in response to the revocation of Article 370 in 2019.

“While women diplomats have previously been stationed in Pakistan, they haven’t held positions at the highest level. Additionally, Islamabad was categorized as a “non-family” posting for Indian diplomats some years ago, making it a challenging assignment for female officers, often limiting their ability to take up roles in Pakistan.”

“At present, a woman diplomat holds the position of First Secretary at the Indian High Commission.”

“Pakistan has appointed a new Charge d’Affaires (CDA) in New Delhi as well. Saad Ahmad Warraich, a seasoned diplomat with experience at Pakistan’s Permanent Mission to the UN in New York, takes over from Salman Sharif, who departed India last month and returned to Islamabad.”

Priyanka Rai

Recent Posts

Kenya: Light Aircraft Carrying Tourists To Maasai Mara Crashes, Killing 12

12 people, including foreign tourists, were killed when a light aircraft crashed in Kenya’s Kwale…

30 mins ago

Delhi Launches First Cloud-Seeding Trial To Combat Air Pollution

Delhi conducts its first cloud-seeding trial over Burari, Karol Bagh, and other areas to induce…

3 hours ago

Tongue Scans May Hold Key To Early Detection Of Motor Neurone Disease: Study Finds

MRI tongue scans may offer early clues for diagnosing and tracking motor neurone disease, researchers…

7 hours ago

OpenAI Launches One-Year Free ChatGPT Go Access For Indian Users

OpenAI offers free one-year access to ChatGPT Go for Indian users starting 4 November, coinciding…

8 hours ago

Sensex, Nifty Rise In Early Trade Amid Mixed Global Cues And Earnings Watch

Indian markets open higher as Sensex and Nifty gain amid mixed global trends, with PSU…

8 hours ago

Delhi Police Clear Main Suspect In Acid Attack As Probe Turns Towards Victim’s Father

Delhi Police clear the main suspect in the Laxmi Bai College acid attack after CCTV…

9 hours ago