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Chokila Iyer takes charge as Foreign Secretary

Chokila Iyer on Tuesday took charge as the country's first-ever woman Foreign Secretary observing there were 'plenty' of challenges ahead for her.

''In any job one takes up there are challenges ahead. I think in this job there are plenty of them,'' Iyer told reporters in her South Block office in response to questions.

A 1964 batch Indian Foreign Service officer, Iyer, a tribal from Sikkim, succeeds Lalit Mansingh, who leaves for Washington on Wednesday for his new assignment as India's Ambassador to the US.

"There have been a lot of changes in the foreign policy. The government has taken a lot of positive steps which have helped in creating a very positive environment,'' she said adding ''I look forward to carrying forward that momentum."

Soft-spoken and unassuming, Iyer, who came to New Delhi mid-February from her posting as India's Ambassador to Ireland, has since been acquainting herself with the task ahead. Her tenure will end in June, 2002.

Asked how she felt occupying the top slot, Iyer, whose mother tongue is Sikkimese, said, ''I think this is a great step forward. I am sure this will be an encouragement to all our young lady officers who are bright, conscientious and very hardworking''.

She said, ''I am glad that I am the first. In anything, there has to be a first and I happen to the first woman Foreign Secretary in the Ministry of External Affairs''.

Iyer went on to note, "I am sure this will set a trend that will see many more lady Foreign Secretaries in the years to come."

The new Foreign Secretary assumes charge of the assignment at a time when India's ties with the USA, Russia and other key countries have gained momentum with the international community acknowledging New Delhi's increasing importance in world affairs.

Iyer has served as India's Ambassador in Mexico besides being posted in Berne and Mahe and working in senior positions in the foreign office.

Extending her warm greetings to officers and personnel of the MEA, she thanked all well-wishers who had greeted her. "I really appreciate this gesture on their part."

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