Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday extended his congratulations to former Foreign Secretary Harsh Vardhan Shringla on being nominated to the Rajya Sabha, commending his distinguished contributions to India’s foreign policy and his leadership during the country’s G20 Presidency.
In a post on X, PM Modi praised Shringla as a “diplomat, intellectual and strategic thinker”, stating that his vast experience will “greatly enrich Parliamentary proceedings.”
“Harsh Vardhan Shringla has excelled as a diplomat, intellectual and strategic thinker. Over the years, he’s made key contributions to India’s foreign policy and also contributed to our G20 Presidency… His unique perspectives will greatly enrich Parliamentary proceedings,” PM Modi wrote.
Shringla is among four eminent personalities nominated to the Upper House by the President of India under Article 80(1)(a) of the Constitution. The nominations come following the retirement of previously nominated members.
Responding to the announcement, Shringla expressed his gratitude to the President and Prime Minister, calling the nomination a “sacred duty.”
“I have always wanted to work in the service of the country and, even after retirement, I have never stopped my endeavours in this regard. I promise to work for the people and make my country stronger on the international stage,” Shringla said on X.
A veteran diplomat, Harsh Vardhan Shringla has served as India’s Ambassador to the United States and Bangladesh and held the post of Foreign Secretary from January 2020 to April 2022.
The three other nominees to the Rajya Sabha include:
- Ujjwal Nikam, renowned public prosecutor known for leading the prosecution in the 26/11 Mumbai attacks and 1993 Bombay blasts cases.
- C. Sadanandan Master, a Kerala-based social worker and educationist with decades of grassroots service.
- Dr. Meenakshi Jain, an acclaimed historian and academic, recognised for her scholarly contributions to Indian civilisation and history.
PM Modi also shared individual posts congratulating Nikam, Sadanandan Master, and Dr. Jain, recognising their respective national contributions in law, social service, and historical scholarship.
The Ministry of Home Affairs issued the notification confirming the nominations, which are seen as part of the government’s effort to bring expertise from diverse fields into the Parliamentary framework.
