Nidhi Tewari became an IFS officer after securing the 96th rank in the UPSC examinations. At a remarkably early stage in her career, she earned the title of Private Secretary to Prime Minister Modi. Given all that she has accomplished, Nidhi’s brilliance may best be described as infinite.
Through sheer hard work, Tewari became a key figure in India’s diplomatic and security affairs after working as an Assistant Commissioner in Varanasi and currently serving in the PMO. She had several accomplishments while working as a Deputy Secretary, particularly during her tenure with the NSA Ajit Doval and while India held the G20 presidency.
From IFS Officer To A Civil Servant
With a great childhood in Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, Tewari’s remarkable journey inspires many. She did an excellent job cracking the Civil Services Examination.
Achieved 96th rank in UPSC services in 2013
Tewari’s academic journey blossomed in Varanasi- the hallowed hall of learning, where she studied during her schooling before marching ahead for her graduation in political science from Banaras Hindu University (BHU).
As a Political Science graduate, she participated in the Civil Services Examination, where she attained rank 96 out of all the competitors. She has demonstrated significant prowess, analytical skills, and knowledge comprehension across multiple subjects and domains.
Beginning her career as an Assistant Commissioner in Commercial Tax in Varanasi
One of the more unique circumstances surrounding Tewari’s professional life is that it started much earlier than her carving out a niche as a public servant after clearing the UPSC exam. Even before attempting the civil services examination, she was already within the public sector as an Assistant Commissioner (Commercial Tax) in Varanasi. This hands-on experience in the commercial tax department taught her the public service value chain.
Joining the Indian Foreign Service
Once she passed the civil services examination, Tewari was appointed to the Indian Foreign Service (IFS), part of the 2014 batch. IFS is one of the most sought-after posts among UPSC route services, as it has exceptionally high requirements in terms of rank and aptitude in diplomacy.
After getting recruited by the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), Tiwari was assigned to the Disarmament and International Security Affairs Division. Such sensitive arms control problems relating to global security were critical for the nation. This initial placement is the trust that was provided to her regarding her judgment and analytical capabilities.
Appointment as Under Secretary in 2022
Yet another feather in her cap is that Tewari became Under Secretary in the Office of the Prime Minister Of India (PMO). As in typical fashion, this journey towards achieving anything else in her career was not free from a rather lopsided sense of confidence conferred upon Tewari yet again but at another stage. It is indicative of how much the government considers the capabilities of Tewari, especially since the PMO is the centre of governance in India.
She began by managing very heavy administration and big-time diplomacy. This was when she showed amazing talent for integrating with other departments and ministries to achieve smooth policy execution.
Promotion to Deputy Secretary
Tewari included more work in the scope of PMO. She is now responsible for Foreign and Security Affairs, which are very important because earlier, she was working with the Disarmament and International Security Affairs Division in MEA.
Her work included:
- Integration of all relevant policy-fulfilling intergovernmental activities.
- Participation in high-level administrative and diplomatic functions.
- Development of international security policies.
- Promotion of India’s diplomacy.
Speaking with National Security Advisor Ajit Doval personally
Her career interactivity with National Security Advisor Doval is now as important as a ‘turning point’ in Tewari’s career development. While still in the Ministry of External Affairs, she met Doval, which was a key point in her career. She kept the relationship after moving to the PMO.
As a deputy secretary overseeing foreign and security activities, Tewari represented NSA Doval on a reporting basis. Such arrangements gave her first-hand security dealing experiences at the highest policy and strategic level choices. As the country’s key defence planner, Doval must have informed her more about the possible avenues open to a person of her calibre concerning the Indian geopolitical scene because the woman has her immediate boss in Doval.
Primary Duties and Functions as Private Secretary of Prime Minister Narendra Modi
Her role is very high-profile and comes with tons of responsibility, one for which Tewari’s prior stint as an IFS officer has given her some preparation.
As Tewari monitors and filters the Prime Minister’s communications, she is in charge of all official correspondence that goes to and comes from his office. She ensures that sensitive information is communicated through secure channels. Her broader diplomatic experience enables her to communicate with other countries far more adeptly than many others.
Beyond her obligations, this person also manages Prime Minister Modi’s daily activities, including the time frames for initiating and ceasing meetings and programs. These work routines involve working at the minute and most detailed level, using planning strategies.
Professional Achievements and Recognition
Tewari has always gone the extra mile in her professional endeavours. She has received praise as an IFS officer and diplomat for outstanding acclamation, along with other awards, and has made notable contributions to society, which has certified her as one of the best IFS officers in India. She is a household name in both the private and public sectors because of Tewari and her unyielding dedication, which earned her success.
2016 Award For Best Trainee Officer
In the case of Emerging Diplomatic Stars, 2016 marked a turning point when Tewari garnered greater recognition during her tenure as the International Relations Cooperation Deputy Director at The Foreign Affairs Ministry after winning the widely pursued Ambassador Bimal Sanyal Memorial Medal for Best Officer Trainee.
Conclusion
Her journey showcases Tewari’s progress through the administrative levels in India as a remarkable example of efforts in civil services. From UPSC rank 96, Tewari showcased competencies in dealing with diplomacy and securing matters of great importance, succeeding multiple times. The mastery of the Indian diplomatic corps specialist was witnessed especially during G20 in India; praiseworthy as a trainee officer, and during the G20 summit, India’s presidency significant moves were made, and India having the presidency enabled the whole world to witness her talent.
