A senior diplomat Shambhu S Kumaran today joined the defence ministry, taking charge of a key department that focuses on relationship with foreign countries.
This is the first time since 2007 that an Indian Foreign Service officer has been posted as joint secretary, planning and international cooperation, in the ministry.
In his new posting, Kumaran, a 1995-batch IFS officer, will spearhead India's defence policy vis-a-vis foreign countries. The post was occupied by IAS officers since 2007.
