Nidhi Tewari, a 2014-batch Indian Foreign Service (IFS) officer, has been appointed as the new Private Secretary to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, according to an order issued by the Department of Personnel and Training (DoPT). This significant appointment was sanctioned by the Appointments Committee of the Cabinet, marking a notable step in Tewari's career within the Indian government.
Currently serving as a Deputy Secretary in the Prime Minister's Office (PMO), Tewari will transition to her new role at Level 12 of the pay matrix. The appointment is co-terminus with her current position or until further orders are issued, as detailed in the official notification dated March 29, 2025.
Hailing from Mehmurganj in Varanasi, which is Prime Minister Modi's parliamentary constituency since 2014, Tewari has demonstrated a strong commitment to public service. She secured the 96th rank in the Civil Services Examination conducted by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) in 2013. Prior to her current position, she worked as an Assistant Commissioner in Varanasi, showcasing her dedication to administrative roles even before entering the higher echelons of government.
Tewari's journey in the PMO began when she joined as an Under Secretary in 2022. Since then, she has played a pivotal role in various capacities, including her recent position as Deputy Secretary, which she has held since January 6, 2023. Her responsibilities have included working in the 'Foreign and Security' vertical, where she reported directly to National Security Advisor Ajit Doval. This experience has equipped her with valuable insights into international relations and security affairs.
Before her tenure in the PMO, Tewari was part of the Ministry of External Affairs, contributing to the Disarmament and International Security Affairs Division. Her expertise in these areas has been instrumental in supporting the Prime Minister's initiatives, particularly those related to foreign policy and national security.
The announcement of Tewari's appointment has drawn attention not only for her qualifications but also for the timing of her new role. As the Prime Minister's Private Secretary, she will be tasked with managing critical communications and administrative functions that are essential to the smooth operation of the PMO.
In her new capacity, Tewari will join the ranks of other key personnel assisting the Prime Minister, including her colleagues Vivek Kumar and Hardik Satishchandra Shah, who also serve as private secretaries. This team plays a crucial role in ensuring that the Prime Minister's agenda is executed effectively and efficiently.
The appointment comes at a time when the government is navigating complex domestic and international challenges. With Tewari's background and experience, there are expectations that she will contribute significantly to the PMO's efforts in addressing these issues.
As she steps into this new role, Tewari's career trajectory serves as an inspiring example for many young professionals in India. Her rise through the ranks of the Indian bureaucracy highlights the opportunities available for dedicated individuals who aspire to serve their country at the highest levels.
With her strong educational background, including her impressive performance in the civil services examination, and her practical experience in various government roles, Nidhi Tewari is poised to make a meaningful impact in her new position. The government and the public alike will be watching closely as she embarks on this important chapter in her career.
