U.P.'s Geetika Shrivastava appointed as Chargé d'Affaires in Pakistan

• 29 Aug 2023

Why is News?

According to information received from the media on August 28, 2023, the Government of India has appointed Geetika Srivastava, a resident of Uttar Pradesh, as a Charge d'Affaire in Pakistan.

Key Points:   

• According to the information, Geetika Srivastava, a resident of Uttar Pradesh, has been appointed In-charge of the Indian Embassy in Pakistan. She has replaced Dr. Suresh Kumar.
• She has become the first woman officer to be selected for this prestigious role by the Indian Ministry of External Affairs.
• Geetika's appointment comes after Pakistan appointed Saad Wariach as the new In-charge of India. Saad will replace Ijaz Khan in the Pakistan High Commission.
• According to experts, women have played an important role in diplomacy in the history of both India and Pakistan. Over the time, there has been growing recognition of the importance of involving women in diplomatic efforts and negotiations. Also, the appointment of Geetika for a prestigious role among multiple teams could be more effective in addressing the complex relationship between the two sides.
• Geetika will visit Pakistan at a time when tensions between the two countries are at its peak. Geetika is another member of India's top female diplomatic club. Prior to her appointment, Britain's first female High Commissioner to Pakistan also took charge.
• Geetika started her career as a diplomat about 20 years ago. In 2005, she was posted to China as First Secretary (Media, Culture and Visa). She has a good command over Chinese language Mandarin. She has also served as joint Secretary-in-Charge of the Indo-Pacific Division at the Foreign Office. The Indo-Pacific Division of the Ministry of External Affairs looks after India's multilateral diplomacy with ASEAN, IORA, FIPIC and other entities in the Indo-Pacific region.
• Originally from Uttar Pradesh, Geetika has also served as a Regional Passport Officer in Kolkata and director in the IOR Division of the Ministry of External Affairs.
• Relations between India and Pakistan have been tense since 2019. There is no full-time High Commissioner in Pakistan. On August 5, 2019, when India revoked the special status given to Jammu and Kashmir, Pakistan called it an illegal move of the Indian government. At the same time, it was decided to reduce diplomatic relations.