Nirupama Rao, the 1973-batch IFS officer, has taken over as the country’s new Foreign Secretary, replacing Shiv Shankar Menon, to become second woman after Chokila Iyer to hold prestigious and very responsible post. She has an extremely complex, yet enviable, assignment amid the challenging scenario in the backdrop of Mumbai terror attacks.

The 58-year old Rao, who also worked as India’s ambassador in Beijing, attended a meeting chaired by Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, on national security and pledged to serve the country with all her heart and soul.

The seasoned diplomat said, after assuming the challenging post: “I strongly believe that our diplomacy and our diplomats play a vital role in promoting national interest and safeguarding our national goals of development in an atmosphere of peace and security.”

The 1973-batch IFS officer, who graduated from Mount Carmel College in 1969-70, has also worked as India’s High Commissioner to Sri Lanka, and was the first lady to become the spokesperson of Indian External Affairs Ministry, and work as Joint Secretary (East Asia) in the ministry.

She added: “Today, in a rapidly evolving world situation, the task is to further augment our diplomatic and professional capabilities as we are called upon to play an even more prominent role in world affairs.”