Centre Announces Key Appointments – Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri Gets One-Year Extension, Umesh V. Waghmare Named DST Secretary, IAS Vivek Aggarwal Given Additional Charge of Tourism Ministry
The Central Government on Thursday unveiled a series of significant appointments and administrative decisions across key ministries and strategic institutions. The Appointments Committee of the Cabinet (ACC) approved a one-year extension in the tenure of Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri, appointed eminent scientist Professor Umesh V. Waghmare as the new Secretary of the Department of Science and Technology (DST), and entrusted senior IAS officer Vivek Aggarwal with the additional charge of Secretary, Ministry of Tourism.
The appointments, cleared by the ACC, were notified through separate orders issued by the Department of Personnel and Training (DoPT). Collectively, the decisions are aimed at ensuring continuity in governance, strengthening scientific leadership and maintaining administrative stability across important government departments.
Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri Gets One-Year Service Extension
One of the most notable decisions announced by the Centre is the extension of service granted to Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri, a 1989-batch Indian Foreign Service (IFS) officer.
According to the official notification, the ACC has approved the extension of Misri’s tenure beyond July 14, 2026. He will now continue as India’s Foreign Secretary until July 14, 2027, or until further orders, whichever comes earlier. The extension has been approved under the provisions of Fundamental Rule (F.R.) 56(d).
The move comes at a crucial time for India’s foreign policy establishment. The country remains actively engaged on several geopolitical, strategic and economic fronts, with ongoing diplomatic engagements involving major global powers, regional partners and multilateral organisations. Extending Misri’s tenure is expected to provide continuity in India’s diplomatic leadership as several important international initiatives unfold over the coming year.
Who is Vikram Misri?
Vikram Misri currently serves as India’s 35th Foreign Secretary and is widely regarded as one of the country’s most experienced career diplomats.
A 1989-batch IFS officer, Misri has built an extensive diplomatic career spanning more than three decades. Over the years, he has handled a wide range of assignments involving bilateral diplomacy, strategic affairs, national security and international negotiations.
Born in Srinagar, Jammu and Kashmir, Misri completed his graduation from Hindu College, University of Delhi. He later earned a Master of Business Administration degree from XLRI, Jamshedpur. Before joining the Indian Foreign Service, he briefly worked in the corporate sector in advertising.
Throughout his diplomatic career, Misri has represented India in several important international assignments and has earned a reputation for his expertise in handling complex foreign policy issues.
The latest extension ensures that India’s top diplomatic office will continue to function under his leadership during an important phase in the country’s global engagement.
Umesh V. Waghmare Appointed Secretary, Department of Science and Technology
In another major appointment, the Centre has selected renowned scientist Professor Umesh V. Waghmare as the new Secretary of the Department of Science and Technology.
According to the DoPT notification issued on July 1, the ACC has approved his appointment from the date he assumes charge. He will serve until attaining the age of 60 years or until further orders, whichever comes earlier.
Professor Waghmare currently serves as President and Professor in the Theoretical Sciences Unit at the Jawaharlal Nehru Centre for Advanced Scientific Research (JNCASR), Bengaluru.
He is internationally recognised for his pioneering work in computational materials science and condensed matter physics. His research has significantly contributed to understanding the behaviour of advanced materials using theoretical and computational approaches, earning him wide recognition in India’s scientific community.
His appointment is expected to strengthen the Department of Science and Technology’s focus on research, innovation, emerging technologies and scientific collaboration.
Waghmare to Succeed Professor Abhay Karandikar
Professor Waghmare takes over the leadership of the Department of Science and Technology following the appointment of Professor Abhay Karandikar as a Full-Time Member of NITI Aayog earlier this year.
Professor Karandikar was appointed to NITI Aayog on April 24, 2026, and subsequently relinquished the charge of DST Secretary on May 15.
Following his departure, Rajesh Gokhale, Secretary of the Department of Biotechnology, had been entrusted with the additional responsibility of heading the Department of Science and Technology until a regular appointment was made.
With Professor Waghmare now assuming office, the department will once again have a full-time Secretary to steer India’s scientific research ecosystem, technology development programmes and innovation initiatives.
His appointment comes at a time when India is placing increasing emphasis on indigenous research, advanced manufacturing, artificial intelligence, semiconductor technologies, quantum science and next-generation scientific innovation.
IAS Vivek Aggarwal Given Additional Charge of Tourism Ministry
The Centre has also made an important administrative arrangement involving senior IAS officer Vivek Aggarwal.
Aggarwal, a 1994-batch IAS officer of the Madhya Pradesh cadre, is presently serving as Secretary in the Ministry of Culture. The government has now assigned him the additional charge of Secretary, Ministry of Tourism.
According to the official notification, he will discharge the additional responsibilities from July 3 to July 19, 2026.
The temporary arrangement has been made during the leave period of Bhuvnesh Kumar, a 1995-batch IAS officer of the Uttar Pradesh cadre, who is the regular Secretary in the Ministry of Tourism.
Officials said the decision is intended to ensure that the functioning of the Tourism Ministry continues without interruption while the incumbent Secretary remains on leave.
Experienced Administrator Takes on Additional Responsibility
Vivek Aggarwal is regarded as an experienced civil servant with extensive administrative experience across multiple sectors.
As Secretary in the Ministry of Culture, he has been overseeing several initiatives related to India’s cultural heritage, museums, archaeological conservation, arts promotion and cultural diplomacy.
With the additional charge of the Tourism Ministry, Aggarwal will simultaneously supervise two ministries that often work in close coordination, particularly in promoting India’s heritage tourism, cultural destinations, festivals and international tourism campaigns.
The temporary assignment is expected to ensure seamless decision-making and uninterrupted administrative functioning during the leave period of the regular Tourism Secretary.
Centre Focuses on Administrative Continuity
The latest set of appointments reflects the government’s emphasis on maintaining stability and continuity across strategically important institutions.
The extension granted to Vikram Misri ensures experienced diplomatic leadership at a time when India continues to play an increasingly significant role in global affairs.
The appointment of Professor Umesh V. Waghmare brings one of India’s leading scientists to head the Department of Science and Technology, reinforcing the government’s commitment to strengthening scientific research, innovation and technology-driven development.
At the same time, assigning the additional charge of the Ministry of Tourism to Vivek Aggarwal ensures that the ministry’s day-to-day functioning remains unaffected during the absence of its regular Secretary.
Taken together, these administrative decisions underscore the Centre’s effort to provide uninterrupted leadership in diplomacy, science, technology and governance while ensuring that key ministries continue to function efficiently during periods of transition or temporary vacancies.
