Will new Foreign Secretary Gokhale change India's approach towards China?
Former ambassador to China Vijay Gokhale, a 1981 batch IFS officer, has been appointed India's new foreign secretary. He will replace the incumbent S Jaishankar on January 28. Gokhale has an illustrious career as a diplomat, but is particularly known for his expertise with China. He played a key role in resolving the Doklam standoff. How might India's policy towards China change under him?
A brief look at Gokhale's years of expertise
Gokhale, a Delhi University alumnus, is known as a "traditionalist" diplomat bound by rules who "works under the radar". He has served in New York, Hong Kong and Hanoi. He was High Commissioner to Malaysia, ambassador to Germany and China. As MEA's East India Division head, he dealt with China, North Korea, Japan, Mongolia and South Korea. He's currently the secretary, economic relations, MEA.
Of particular interest is his experience with Beijing
Gokhale is widely credited with leading delicate but intense diplomatic negotiations with Beijing during the 70-day Doklam standoff. The crisis ended peacefully days before PM Narendra Modi was to travel to China for the August 2017 BRICS Summit.
The government noticed Gokhale during his Germany stint
Reports have it that Gokhale got Modi's attention when he organized the PM's 2015 Germany visit to inaugurate the Hanover-Messe, where 'Make in India' was launched. Sources say he was brought back from China in October'17 to groom him for the new job. Since then, he has led several important negotiations, including planning visits by Israeli PM Netanyahu and the ASEAN-India summit.
What does Gokhale's appointment mean for India?
Years ago, Gokhale was among the few who foresaw aggressive India-China relations in the future; most felt India could avoid Beijing's dominating tactics through amiability. So New Delhi remained silent during cross-border aggressions, Depsang crisis, or Chumar. Recent events have changed things. Gokhale's appointment signals a shift in India's approach, analysts opine. On the same page are Jaishankar and India's China envoy Gautam Bambawale.
Gokhale's predecessor Jaishankar had a good rapport with Modi
Jaishankar was appointed foreign secretary in January'15, days before his retirement and after his predecessor Sujata Singh had been abruptly removed. His term was extended by a year last January. For now, Gokhale will have a two-year stint at the position.
