Key Points
- Appointment Announcement: Nidhi Tewari, a 2014 batch Indian Foreign Service (IFS) officer, has been appointed as the Private Secretary to Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
- Experienced Bureaucrat: Tewari has served in the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) for over three years, specializing in foreign and security affairs.
- Hailing from Varanasi: She is from Mehmurganj, Varanasi, PM Modi’s Lok Sabha constituency since 2014.
- Career Highlights: Her expertise spans international relations, atomic energy, and security affairs during her tenure at the Ministry of External Affairs and PMO.
New Delhi: Nidhi Tewari, a distinguished Indian Foreign Service officer from the 2014 batch, has been appointed as the new Private Secretary to Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The Appointments Committee of the Cabinet approved her appointment on March 29, 2025, marking a significant milestone in her career.
Tewari hails from Mehmurganj in Varanasi, which coincidentally is PM Modi’s parliamentary constituency since 2014. She secured the 96th rank in the Civil Services Examination in 2013 while working as an Assistant Commissioner (Commercial Tax) in Varanasi. Her dedication to public service and academic excellence paved the way for her entry into the prestigious Indian Foreign Service.
Career Journey
Nidhi Tewari’s career trajectory reflects her commitment to excellence and versatility:
- Ministry of External Affairs: She served in the Disarmament and International Security Affairs Division, focusing on critical global issues such as arms control and international security.
- Prime Minister’s Office: Tewari joined the PMO as Under Secretary in 2022 and was promoted to Deputy Secretary on January 6, 2023. She worked closely with National Security Advisor Ajit Doval in the ‘Foreign and Security’ vertical, handling portfolios like External Affairs, Atomic Energy, Security Affairs, and state-level issues concerning Rajasthan.
Her expertise in foreign policy has been instrumental during India’s G20 presidency, where she actively contributed to diplomatic engagements and decision-making processes.
Role as Private Secretary
As Private Secretary to PM Modi, Nidhi Tewari will hold immense responsibility in assisting the Prime Minister with day-to-day operations and key decisions. Her role involves:
- Coordinating between ministries and departments for seamless governance.
- Advising on domestic and foreign policy matters based on her extensive expertise.
- Managing critical files related to defense, atomic energy, international relations, and administrative reforms.
This position is co-terminus with her current assignment or until further orders are issued. She succeeds Vivek Kumar (IFS) and Hardik Satishchandra Shah (IAS), who previously served as Private Secretaries to PM Modi.
Significance of Her Appointment
Nidhi Tewari’s appointment comes at a crucial time when India is asserting its global influence through initiatives like G20 leadership and strategic partnerships. Her background in international relations and security affairs positions her uniquely to contribute effectively to PM Modi’s vision for India’s domestic governance and foreign diplomacy.
Her rise from Varanasi to one of the most critical roles in Indian governance showcases her dedication and ability to excel under pressure a testament to her remarkable journey through India’s bureaucracy.
With her appointment, Tewari joins a league of accomplished bureaucrats who have played pivotal roles in shaping India’s governance landscape. As she steps into this prestigious role, expectations are high for her contributions toward strengthening India’s domestic policies and international stature.
