Geetika Srivastava: 1st Woman Charge d'Affaires for Indian High Commission, Islamabad

NEW DELHI: India has appointed Geetika Srivastava as Charge d'Affaires (CdA) for its High Commission in Islamabad. In her role as Deputy High Commissioner, she will also serve as the CdA in the absence of a High Commissioner, making her the first woman to lead the Indian High Commission in Pakistan. She will succeed the current CdA, Suresh Kumar, whose tenure is concluding.

With India-Pakistan relations strained, both nations have downgraded diplomatic statuses, resulting in middle-level officials overseeing missions. Pakistan recalled its High Commissioner following India's revocation of Article 370 in 2019, which had granted special status to Jammu and Kashmir, prompting a reciprocal action by India.

Pakistan is set to appoint Saad Warraich, currently the director-general for Afghanistan, Turkey, and Iran at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, as its CdA to India. He will replace Aizaz Khan, the current CdA of Pakistan, who is expected to be reassigned by year-end.

Srivastawa's appointment has garnered attention in the Pakistani media, not only as the first-ever head of the Indian mission but also as a new addition to the "Female Diplomatic Club," coinciding with the UK's recent appointment of its first female envoy to Pakistan.

Hailing from Uttar Pradesh, Srivastawa is proficient in Mandarin and presently serves as Joint Secretary overseeing the Indo-Pacific Division within the Ministry of External Affairs.