Who is Vikram Misri?
Vikram Misri stands as a prominent senior Indian diplomat, currently serving as the Foreign Secretary of India as of July 2024. A distinguished officer from the IFS batch of 1989, Misri’s career encompasses significant roles, including Deputy National Security Advisor and Ambassadorial postings to China, Spain, and Myanmar.
Hailing from Srinagar, he is an alumnus of Hindu College and further holds an MBA degree from XLRI Jamshedpur. Known for his strategic diplomatic acumen, he has also served as Private Secretary to three Indian Prime Ministers. As one of India’s most seasoned diplomats, Vikram Misri plays a crucial role in shaping the nation’s foreign policy and national security, making his position among the most influential within India’s strategic framework.
Career Highlights
Prior to embarking on his journey with the IFS, Misri gained experience in the advertising sector, working with Lintas India and Contract Advertising. His subsequent diplomatic career is marked by several notable assignments, demonstrating his extensive experience:
- Ambassador to Spain (2014-2016)
- Ambassador to Myanmar (2016–2018)
- Ambassador to China (2019–2021), where he was instrumental during the India-China border stand-off
- Deputy National Security Advisor (NSA) from 1 January 2022 to 14 July 2024, handling strategic matters
Vikram Misri Salary: Official Pay Scale & Perks
As the Foreign Secretary of India, Vikram Misri holds one of the most distinguished positions within the Indian Foreign Service (IFS). The remuneration and associated perks for this role are governed by the 7th Central Pay Commission, specifically falling under Pay Level 17, designated for high-ranking civil servants.
Basic Salary (Pay Level 17)
The basic salary for the Foreign Secretary, aligning with Pay Level 17, is structured as follows:
- Monthly Basic Pay : ₹2,25,000
- Annual Basic Pay: ₹27,00,000
This salary framework is consistent with that of other senior government officials, including the Cabinet Secretary and Chief Secretaries of State Governments.
Additional Allowances
Beyond the basic pay, the Foreign Secretary is entitled to several allowances designed to cover various expenses:
- Dearness Allowance (DA) : Approximately 46% of the basic pay, this allowance is periodically adjusted based on inflation.
- House Rent Allowance (HRA) : Ranging from 8% to 24% of the basic pay, its value is determined by the specific city of posting.
- Travel Allowance (TA) : A fixed amount provided to cover official travel expenses.
These allowances significantly increase the in-hand salary, with estimates indicating the total monthly compensation to be around ₹3,50,000.
Perquisites and Privileges
In addition to the monetary compensation, the Foreign Secretary also benefits from a range of perquisites and privileges inherent to the position:
- Official Residence : An allotted Type-VIII bungalow in designated locations like Lutyens’ Delhi.
- Diplomatic Passport : Provides ease of international travel and diplomatic courtesies.
- Official Vehicle: Provision of government vehicles accompanied by a driver.
- Security Detail : Personal security arrangements tailored to the requirements of the role.
Allowances and Perks of Vikram Misri
As India’s Foreign Secretary, Vikram Misri is entitled to a comprehensive suite of government-mandated allowances and perks, consistent with senior-level civil servants under Pay Level 17.
House Rent Allowance (HRA)
The HRA structure is dependent on the city of posting:
- 24% of basic pay in X-class cities (e.g., Delhi)
- 16% in Y-class cities
- 8% in Z-class cities
It is important to note that official accommodation is often provided, particularly in Delhi, which can supersede the HRA entitlement.
Travel & Diplomatic Allowances
The Foreign Secretary is eligible for both domestic and foreign travel allowances for official duties. This includes diplomatic allowances and incentives for any postings at foreign stations or specific assignments. Additionally, an official car with a driver is provided for local use.
Other Government-Granted Benefits
Further benefits include:
- A Type-VIII government bungalow in Central Delhi (reserved for senior bureaucrats).
- A security detail tailored to the requirements of the post and perceived threat levels.
- Medical facilities provided under the CGHS (Central Government Health Scheme).
- Pension and gratuity benefits upon retirement.
- Coverage for telephone, internet, and utility bills for official purposes.
Comparison with Other Top Government Officials
Vikram Misri, as India’s Foreign Secretary, occupies a prestigious Pay Level 17 ranking under the 7th Pay Commission, signifying one of the highest government salary tiers. A comparison with other top officials illustrates this standing:
| Official Designation | Pay Level | Basic Pay (₹/month) |
|---|---|---|
| Vikram Misri Foreign Secretary | Level 17 | ₹ 2,25,000 |
| Ajit Doval National Security Advisor (NSA) | Equivalent to Level 17 | ₹2,25,000 (estimated) |
| Cabinet Secretary Highest-ranking civil servant | Level 18 | ₹ 2,50,000 |
| Ambassador (Grade I) Indian Foreign Service (Abroad) | Level 15–17 | ₹1,82,200–₹2,25,000 |
| Secretary to Government Other Ministries (e.g., Home, Finance) | Level 17 | ₹ 2,25,000 |
Pay Grade Equivalency
It is noteworthy that the Foreign Secretary, National Security Advisor (NSA), and Secretaries to the Government of India are positioned at a comparable pay scale, all falling under Level 17. The Cabinet Secretary, however, stands apart at Level 18, receiving a slightly higher basic pay.
Vikram Misri Net Worth (2025): Estimated Wealth
While the exact net worth of India’s Foreign Secretary, Vikram Misri, is not publicly disclosed, an estimation can be derived from available public data and the typical earnings of a senior diplomat. As of 2025, his net worth is roughly estimated to be in the range of ₹50–70 crore.
Indian diplomats are not obligated to publicly declare their assets; however, drawing parallels with estimates for other diplomats, such as Taranjit Singh Sandhu (₹39.9 crore), helps in forming this determination. Given Misri’s trajectory through top-tier positions, including Ambassador to China, Deputy NSA, and his current role as Foreign Secretary, this estimate aligns with the expected government earnings and benefits associated with such senior-level offices.
Conclusion
In summary, Vikram Misri currently serves as India’s Foreign Secretary, holding a distinguished ‘A’ level officer position within the government service, aligning with the IAS salary structure. His comprehensive remuneration package comprises a basic salary, various allowances such as HRA, and additional diplomatic perks. Furthermore, given his extensive years of service, he is also entitled to significant pension benefits upon retirement.