New Delhi: In a significant development within the Indian bureaucracy, Indian Foreign Service (IFS) officer Nidhi Tewari has been appointed as the Private Secretary (PS) to Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
The announcement was made through an official order issued by the Department of Personnel and Training (DoPT) following approval from the Appointments Committee of the Cabinet (ACC).
IFS Nidhi Tewari, a 2014-batch officer, brings a wealth of experience to this crucial position. She has been serving in the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) since November 2022, first as Deputy Secretary before being promoted to her new role.
Before her stint in the PMO, she worked as Under Secretary in the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) under the Disarmament and International Security Affairs Division.
A native of Varanasi, the parliamentary constituency of Prime Minister Modi, Tewari secured the 96th rank in the UPSC Civil Services Examination of 2013. Before joining the IFS, she served as an Assistant Commissioner (Commercial Tax) in Varanasi.
Her career trajectory reflects her dedication to public service and governance, making her a well-suited candidate for this high-profile appointment.
Experience in Foreign Policy and Security Affairs
Tewari’s expertise in international relations and security matters has played a crucial role in her rise through the bureaucratic ranks. During her tenure in the PMO, she was deeply involved in India’s foreign and security policy, particularly in her role as Deputy Secretary. She worked directly under National Security Advisor (NSA) Ajit Doval, handling key areas such as External Affairs, Atomic Energy, and Security Affairs.
Her contributions were particularly significant during India’s G20 presidency, where she was actively engaged in diplomatic negotiations and policy formulation. Her deep understanding of global diplomacy has been instrumental in shaping India’s international engagements.
Transition in the Prime Minister’s Office
Tewari’s appointment follows the tenure of her predecessors, IFS officer Vivek Kumar (2004 batch) and IAS officer Hardik Satishchandra Shah (2010 batch, Gujarat cadre), who previously served as private secretaries to the Prime Minister. With her extensive background in security and diplomacy, Tewari is expected to ensure a seamless transition while continuing to strengthen India’s domestic and international standing.
As private secretary to the PM, her role will be pivotal in assisting Modi with day-to-day operations, policy execution, and crucial decision-making.
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