In a landmark administrative decision, Indian Foreign Service (IFS) officer Rajesh Gawande, from the 2009 batch, has been appointed as the Secretary for Protocol, Foreign Direct Investment (FDI), and Diaspora Affairs in the Maharashtra Government. This is the first time in the state’s history that a career diplomat has been inducted into such a key post within the Mantralaya, Maharashtra’s highest administrative headquarters.
The state government officially announced Gawande’s appointment through a notification released on Thursday, marking a significant step toward enhancing Maharashtra’s global outreach and foreign investment ecosystem.
A Career Diplomat Steps into State Governance
Before this appointment, Rajesh Gawande was serving as the Regional Passport Officer (RPO) in Mumbai, where he managed one of India’s busiest passport zones. During his tenure, he was credited with improving the efficiency of passport services and maintaining stringent oversight of sensitive diplomatic documentation.
Gawande’s move to Mantralaya reflects the government’s broader strategy to integrate foreign policy expertise into state administration, particularly in areas related to global partnerships, diaspora relations, and international investment promotion.
Strategic Appointment to Strengthen Maharashtra’s Global Engagement
According to senior officials, the creation of this specialized position—and the choice to appoint an IFS officer to it—highlights the state’s ambition to:
Attract more Foreign Direct Investment (FDI),
Manage high-level protocol arrangements for international dignitaries visiting Maharashtra, and
Foster stronger ties with the global Indian diaspora.
Given Gawande’s diplomatic experience in Nairobi, Kampala, and Berlin, the appointment is being seen as a strategic fusion of diplomacy and public administration—a move that could reshape how Indian states engage globally.
A First-of-Its-Kind Administrative Precedent
Traditionally, the post of Chief Protocol Officer has been held by IAS or senior state service officers. Gawande’s appointment breaks this convention, opening doors for more cross-service collaboration between India’s diplomatic corps and state governance structures. Experts see this as part of a growing trend where states like Maharashtra are taking proactive roles in international engagement and economic diplomacy.
A New Era: Combining Protocol, FDI, and Diaspora Affairs
In his new role, Gawande will not only serve as the Chief Protocol Officer but will also lead two newly constituted portfolios—Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) and Diaspora Affairs. These departments are designed to streamline the state’s foreign interactions, encourage international business partnerships, and build robust networks with the Maharashtrian diaspora worldwide.
Officials noted that these combined roles symbolize Maharashtra’s forward-looking vision to position itself as a global investment and cultural hub.
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Transition from Predecessor and a Message of Gratitude
Gawande succeeds Mhaiskar, who served as Chief Protocol Officer for nearly five years and eight months. In a heartfelt farewell shared on social media, Mhaiskar reflected on his journey:
“After 5 years and 8 months as Chief Protocol Officer, Government of Maharashtra, it’s time to hand over the responsibility. Representing Bharat and the shining diamond in her crown, Maharashtra, has been a deeply fulfilling experience. I met extraordinary diplomats, made lifelong friends, and learned that the essence of international relations lies in Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam — the world is one family. I’ll always carry these memories with immense gratitude.”
About Rajesh Gawande
A native of Ahilyanagar district, Rajesh Gawande has built a distinguished diplomatic career under the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA). His assignments abroad and in India have honed his expertise in foreign relations, policy coordination, and people-centric administration.
His appointment to Mantralaya signals a new era of state-level diplomacy, where global engagement becomes an integral part of governance. Maharashtra’s decision to bring in an IFS officer for this pioneering role is widely seen as an innovative administrative experiment that could inspire similar initiatives in other Indian states.
