MEA’s response to Kerala appointing official for external cooperation ‘most unfortunate’: Veteran diplomat Venu Rajamony

“The Ministry of External Affairs’ statement in the context of Kerala government appointing an officer for ‘external cooperation’ is “most unfortunate” and contrary to the Modi government’s own policy and efforts to support State governments of the country expand contacts with the world, especially in fields of trade, investment, cultural cooperation, people to people contacts,” said a veteran diplomat who himself served in a similar role with the Kerala government in the recent past. Mr. Rajamony served with the Kerala government as an Officer on Special Duty with rank of Chief Secretary in charge of External Cooperation from 2021-2023, based in the Kerala House in New Delhi, holding similar responsibilities to what has been now given to IAS officer K. Vasuki in Thiruvananthapuram. He said fault can be found with the Kerala government for having not consulted MEA and appraised them of the role and functions of the officer before such an order was issued adding, “MEA is wrong to imply that such an appointment is tantamount to interfering into the Central government’s domain.” He said the current appointment is only in succession to his appointment as OSD informing that at the time of his appointment in 2021, he held extensive discussions with the then Chief Secretary Dr. V.P. Mr. Rajamony said the “first thing” he did on assuming office was to visit MEA and call on the Secretary responsible for States Division and Economic Affairs as well as Secretary responsible for Gulf countries, overseas Indian affairs and consular, passport and visa matters.