Who is Nidhi Tewari? Newly Appointed Private Secretary to PM Modi

Who is Nidhi Tewari? Newly Appointed Private Secretary to PM Modi

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi is known for his decisive leadership, economic reforms, and strong foreign policy stance.

Elected as Prime Minister in 2014, he secured a second term in 2019 and is now serving his third term.

His government has launched major initiatives like ‘Make in India,’ Digital India, and the goal of achieving a $5 trillion economy by 2027.

Modi is also recognized for his strategic appointments, often giving opportunities to young and talented individuals. Examples include the appointment of S. Jaishankar, a career diplomat, as External Affairs Minister in 2019, and the elevation of K. Sivan as ISRO Chairman.

His focus on merit-based leadership extends to the bureaucratic level, as seen in the appointment of Nidhi Tewari as Private Secretary.

Nidhi Tewari: Appointment as Private Secretary to PM Modi

Nidhi Tewari, a 2014-batch Indian Foreign Service (IFS) officer, has been appointed as Private Secretary to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, effective March 29, 2025.

The Appointments Committee of the Cabinet (ACC) approved her selection on a co-terminus basis, meaning her tenure aligns with the current administration or until further orders.

She replaces former private secretaries Hardik Satishchandra Shah and Vivek Kumar. Her elevation marks a transition in the Modi government’s third term, emphasizing governance reforms and economic goals.

Background and Career

Tewari hails from Mehmurganj, Varanasi, which has been Prime Minister Modi’s parliamentary constituency since 2014. Before joining the IFS, she worked as an Assistant Commissioner (Commercial Tax) in Varanasi.

She cleared the UPSC Civil Services Examination in 2013 with a 96th rank.

After joining the IFS in 2014, she served in the Ministry of External Affairs’ Disarmament and International Security Affairs Division, reporting to National Security Adviser Ajit Doval.

She joined the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) as Under Secretary in November 2022 and was promoted to Deputy Secretary in January 2023.

In the PMO, she managed foreign and security affairs, including atomic energy and matters related to Rajasthan. She also played a significant role during India’s G20 presidency and worked on strategic policy initiatives under the PMO’s ‘Foreign and Security’ vertical

Key Responsibilities

Foreign and Security Affairs Coordination

As Private Secretary, Tewari will be responsible for managing foreign policy decisions, security strategies, and international engagements.

She will oversee atomic energy and defense-related matters, aligning her work with the PMO’s ‘Foreign and Security’ vertical under National Security Adviser Ajit Doval.

Her expertise in disarmament and international security will be instrumental in shaping India’s diplomatic and defense policies.

Policy Implementation and Coordination

Tewari will facilitate collaboration between various departments on strategic initiatives, including G20-related projects and economic reforms aimed at achieving a $5 trillion economy by 2027.

She will also handle state-specific matters, particularly those involving Rajasthan, ensuring their alignment with national priorities.

Administrative Oversight

Her role also involves streamlining PMO operations, including managing the Prime Minister’s engagements, communications, and decision-making processes.

She will ensure seamless coordination between the PMO and key ministries like External Affairs and Atomic Energy, enhancing efficiency in governance.

Strategic Impact

Tewari’s appointment highlights her diplomatic acumen and governance experience. She will play a key role in influencing foreign policy, security frameworks, and economic reforms during Modi’s third term. Her elevation reflects the administration’s commitment to institutional continuity and policy-driven governance, reinforcing Modi’s approach of placing talented officers in crucial roles.

Connection to Varanasi

Tewari’s roots in Varanasi add symbolic and political significance to her appointment.

Her selection highlights Modi’s focus on nurturing talent from his constituency and integrating local representation into national governance.

Her rise from Varanasi to a key position in the PMO underscores Modi’s commitment to empowering individuals from his parliamentary constituency.

It also serves as a strong political message about including leaders with grassroots governance experience in national policymaking.

Having worked in Varanasi’s Commercial Tax department before joining the IFS, Tewari represents a bridge between local governance and national administration. Her experience brings both credibility and practical insights to her role in the PMO.

Nidhi Tewari’s appointment as Private Secretary to PM Modi places her at the center of critical administrative and strategic functions in the government.

Her diplomatic expertise, governance experience, and Varanasi roots make her a key figure in the PMO’s decision-making framework.

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