In a social media post on X, Bagchi said, “The baton passes on! Randhir Jaiswal assumes charge as the Official Spokesperson of @MEAIndia as Shri Arindam Bagchi proceeds on overseas assignment.”
In the weekly press briefing on December 29, Bagchi addressed the media, saying, “This is the last presser, weekly presser of the Ministry of External Affairs for this year. So let me wish you a very happy new year and all the best for 2024. This also happens to be my last weekly press conference as the spokesperson. So thank you all for being with us. And from next time onwards, have the privilege of Shri Randhir Jaiswal, who will be taking this role.”
Earlier in October, MEA Spokesperson Arindam Bagchi was appointed India's next permanent representative to the United Nations and other international organisations in Geneva.
A 1995-batch Indian Foreign Service (IFS) officer, Bagchi is an Additional Secretary in the Ministry of External Affairs.
Bagchi took over as MEA spokesperson in March 2021. His tenure was eventful as it spanned the COVID-19 pandemic, the standoff with China in eastern Ladakh, India hosting the G20 Summit in September this year and the increased pace of India's engagements with various partners.
Randhir Jaiswal, the incoming MEA spokesperson, previously served as consul general in New York starting in July 2020. He received praise from the diaspora members for his active involvement in repatriating Indian Americans during the COVID-19 pandemic. His diplomatic efforts and the mission's adaptability during the global health crisis were commendable.
Jaiswal has served in Portugal, Cuba, South Africa and at India's permanent mission to the UN in New York.
