Jaishankar hits ground running, China visit, new appointments in offing

S Jaishankar, India's new foreign secretary, took charge on Thursday, and said the government's priorities are his priorities. The FS will hit the ground running, with a visit to Beijing lined up. He will also have to help decide on new ambassadorial appointments.

S Jaishankar, India's new foreign secretary, took charge on Thursday, and said the government's priorities are his priorities. The FS will hit the ground running, with a visit to Beijing lined up. He will also have to help decide on new ambassadorial appointments.

S-Jaishankar-is-considered-the-architect-of-the-Indo-US-nuclear-deal-of-2008-and-the-man-behind-recent-breakthrough-on-its-operationalisation-HT-Photo

Jaishankar will accompany EAM Sushma Swaraj during her China visit. The visit is significant for it comes in the wake of the India US Joint Vision for Asia Pacific and Indian Ocean region - which has peeved Beijing. Jaishankar has served as ambassador to China and is an expert on the country.

Jaishankar will also have to help decide who takes up his old job, as ambassador to US. Speculation is rife that Arun Singh, by virtue of seniority, is the front runner for the position. But sources said no decision had been taken. Other rumours had it that there may be a political appointment for the position. There are also indications that MEA spokesperson Syed Akbaruddin will head to Geneva as ambassador; and there may be a reshuffle in key capitals, including Beijing.

But Jaishankar spent most of his first day in courtesy meetings, and attending the Beating the Retreat ceremony. The larger question of reshuffle is on the table, but not yet addressed.