Who is Vikram Misri?
Vikram Misri is a senior Indian diplomat and the present Foreign Secretary of India (as of July 2024). Misri is an IFS officer of the batch of 1989 and has held important postings like Deputy National Security Advisor and Ambassador to China, Spain, and Myanmar.He is from Srinagar and an alumnus of Hindu College, with an MBA degree from XLRI Jamshedpur. He is also renowned for his strategic diplomacy and acted as Private Secretary to three Indian Prime Ministers.Being India's most seasoned diplomat, Vikram Misri is an important figure in foreign policy and national security putting his role among India's most influential in its strategic apparatus.
Career Highlights
Before coming to the IFS, Misri worked in advertising with Lintas India and Contract Advertising. His career in diplomacy has notable assignments:
- 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
Vikram Misri, Foreign Secretary of India, enjoys one of the topmost positions in the Indian Foreign Service (IFS). His salary and perks are regulated by the 7th Central Pay Commission, more precisely under Pay Level 17 for high-ranking civil servants.
Basic Salary (Pay Level 17)
- Monthly Basic Pay: ₹2,25,000
- Annual Basic Pay: ₹27,00,000
This salary scale is in line with other top officials, including the Cabinet Secretary and Chief Secretaries of State Governments.
Additional Allowances
Apart from the basic pay, the Foreign Secretary also receives several allowances:
- Dearness Allowance (DA): Around 46% of the basic pay, which is revised from time to time based on inflation.
- House Rent Allowance (HRA): Between 8% to 24% of the basic pay, depending on the city of posting.
- Travel Allowance (TA): Fixed quantum to meet official travelling expenses.
Such allowances can easily augment the in-hand salary, and estimates suggest the total monthly pay to be in the order of ₹3,50,000.
Perquisites and Privileges
Aside from cash pay, the Foreign Secretary has some privileges:
- Official Residence: Allotted Type-VIII bungalow in select places such as Lutyens' Delhi.
- Diplomatic Passport: Facilitates overseas journey and diplomatic courtesies.
- Official Vehicle: Grant of government vehicles along with a driver.
- Security Detail: Personal security arrangements according to the needs of the position.
Allowances and Perks of Vikram Misri
As India's Foreign Secretary, Vikram Misri is eligible for a wide variety of government-officed allowances and perks in accordance with senior-level civil servants under Pay Level 17.
House Rent Allowance (HRA)
HRA varies with the posting city:
- 24% of basic pay in X-class cities (e.g., Delhi)
- 16% in Y-class cities
- 8% in Z-class cities
Official accommodation is provided in most cases, especially in Delhi, which may replace the HRA.
Travel & Diplomatic Allowances
Eligible for domestic and foreign travel allowances for official work.
- Diplomatic allowances and incentives for postings at foreign stations and assignments (if any).
- Official car with driver for local use.
Other Government-Granted Benefits
Central Delhi Type-VIII government bungalow (for senior bureaucrats).
- Security detail according to post and threat perception.
- Medical facilities under CGHS (Central Government Health Scheme).
- Pension and gratuity benefits on retirement.
- Telephone, internet, and utility bills for official purposes.
Comparison with Other Top Government Officials
India's Foreign Secretary, Vikram Misri, holds a Pay Level 17 ranking under the 7th Pay Commission which is among the top government salary levels.
Pay Grade Equivalency
- Foreign Secretary, NSA, and Secretaries to the Government of India are placed on par in pay scale (Level 17).
- Level 18 is enjoyed only by Cabinet Secretaries with a slight increase in basic pay.
Vikram Misri Net Worth (2025): Estimated Wealth Overview of Foreign Secretary of India
Vikram Misri’s net worth is not publicly available, but with respect to data available in the public domain and the earnings of a senior diplomat, it is roughly estimated to be in the range of ₹50–70 crore as of 2025.
Indian diplomats do not declare assets for public viewing, however some estimates like that of other diplomats like Taranjit Singh Sandhu (₹39.9 crore) assist in making some sort of determination. Considering Misri’s top positions Ambassador to China, Deputy NSA, Currently serving as Foreign Secretary, this estimate is consistent with government earnings and benefits at such senior levels.
Conclusion
Vikram Misri is a sitting Foreign Secretary and occupies a position in government service as an ‘A’ level officer in the IAS salary structure. His salary package includes basic salary, allowances such as HRA and other diplomatic perks, and perhaps some pension benefits given his long years of service.
