Sujata Singh, to be India's next Foreign Secretary

Sujata Singh, currently India's envoy to Germany, will be the country's next Foreign Secretary following approval of her appointment by the Prime Minister, Dr. Manmohan Singh.

Fifty-nine year old Singh, a 1976 batch IFS officer, was a close contender for the top job along with India's Ambassador to China S. Jaishankar, who is a batch junior to her.

His name was doing the rounds because of his excellent service record, particularly as envoy to China.

Due to retire in July next year, Singh will now have a two-year extension and will succeed Ranjan Mathai who is set to retire on 31st July.

Singh, who will be the third woman to head the Foreign Service after Chokila Iyer and Nirupama Rao, is the daughter of T V Rajeshwar, the former Intelligence Bureau Chief.

Singh is the wife of former Secretary (East) Sanjay Singh, who retired in April this year.

Her name was cleared after the Prime Minister returned from his Kashmir visit last week.

Though Sujata Singh has not done any diplomatic stint in India's neighborhood, she served as undersecretary for Nepal from 1982-1985 before her postings in Europe, including Italy and France.