Kerala’s Own ‘Foreign Secretary’

On July 15, the State of Kerala appointed its own secretary in charge of “matters concerning external cooperation”. The decision by the Vijayan government was seen by many as Kerala’s attempts to overreach into the territory of the Union government.

Critics from the Bharatiya Janata Party argue that the decision constitutes a blatant overreach into the domain of foreign affairs, a responsibility that lies solely with the central government as per the Indian Constitution. BJP state president K. Surendran has labelled the move as unconstitutional, questioning whether the Chief Minister is attempting to position Kerala as a separate entity within India. The Ministry of External Affairs has also weighed in, asserting that foreign affairs are exclusively under the jurisdiction of the Union government and cautioning against state-level interference.

In contrast, some leaders, including Congress MP Shashi Tharoor, have defended the appointment, suggesting that it is a practical measure to address the needs of the large Kerala diaspora and facilitate better coordination with foreign entities. Tharoor emphasised that while the state cannot conduct independent foreign relations, it is appropriate for it to manage issues affecting its residents abroad. The Kerala Chief Secretary has clarified that the role is not new and is intended to enhance cooperation with foreign agencies, rather than to engage in formal diplomatic relations.

Jargon

Viewpoints 💭

  • The appointment of K Vasuki as Kerala’s foreign secretary is a strategic move to better address the needs of the large Kerala diaspora and facilitate coordination with foreign entities.
  • State governments have the right to engage in external cooperation to manage issues affecting their residents abroad, within the framework of the Indian Constitution.
  • The criticism from the BJP is seen as politically motivated, aiming to undermine the LDF government’s efforts to enhance Kerala’s development through international cooperation.
  • The role is not a new position but a continuation of responsibilities from a previous officer, aimed at fostering development and not engaging in diplomatic relations.
  • The controversy is viewed as a distraction from more pressing issues, with the BJP and central government attempting to centralise power and inhibit state initiatives.
  • The left views the appointment as a pragmatic approach to address diaspora issues and enhance state development through international cooperation, emphasising state rights within the federal structure.
  • The right perceives the appointment as an unconstitutional encroachment on central powers, reflecting concerns over national sovereignty, unity, and the sanctity of the Indian constitution’s division of powers.
  • From the left perspective, the criticism from the right is seen as an attempt to politicise the state’s development efforts and centralise authority, limiting state innovation and governance.
  • The right is concerned with the precedent set by such appointments, fearing it could lead to fragmentation of the nation’s foreign policy and encourage separatism or regionalism.
  • There is a fundamental disagreement on the balance of power between the state and the central government, with the left advocating for greater state autonomy in managing external affairs affecting residents, while the right stresses adherence to the constitutional demarcation of responsibilities to protect national integrity.
  • The appointment of a ‘foreign secretary’ by the Kerala government is unconstitutional and represents an overreach into the domain of foreign affairs, which is exclusively under the jurisdiction of the central government.
  • This move by the LDF government suggests aspirations for state autonomy, potentially leading to separatist tendencies and undermining national unity.
  • The appointment could serve as a dangerous precedent, encouraging other states to make similar unconstitutional decisions, and threatening the federal structure of India.
  • Concerns are raised that the appointment could cover dubious dealings with foreign countries, particularly in the context of ongoing investigations into alleged economic misconduct involving the state government.
  • The BJP’s criticism is based on the need to maintain national integrity and adhere to the constitutional allocation of powers between the state and the central government.

Prominent Voices 📣

  • Dr V Venu (Chief Secretary, Kerala): Clarified that the appointment aims to enhance development relations without interfering with the central government’s jurisdiction over foreign affairs. [1] [2]
  • Pinarayi Vijayan (Chief Minister of Kerala): Defended the appointment as a routine administrative decision necessary for enhancing external cooperation, without infringing on constitutional mandates. [3] [4]
  • Shashi Tharoor (MP, Thiruvananthapuram): Supported the appointment as a practical measure for better coordination for Keralites abroad, emphasising that it does not imply any overreach by the state. [5] [6]
  • Bhartiya Janta Party: Criticised the LDF government’s decision to appoint an officer for external cooperation as unconstitutional, undermining the central government’s authority over foreign affairs. [7]
  • K Surendran (President, BJP Kerala): Described the appointment as a blatant overreach and unconstitutional, questioning the Chief Minister’s intentions and suggesting it implies Kerala is acting like an independent country. [5] [8]
  • Harsh Vardhan Singhla (Former Foreign Secretary): Rejected the LDF’s defence, stating the order violates the constitution and urged for its revocation. [9]
  • K M Chandrasekhar (Former Cabinet Secretary): Expressed doubts about the legality of the appointment and emphasised that international relations fall under the Centre’s domain. [10]
  • Randhir Jaiswal (Spokesperson, MEA): Emphasised that foreign affairs are exclusively under the Union’s jurisdiction as per the Constitution, cautioning against state-level interference. [7] [10]

Sources 📚

1
Kerala Kaumudi‘Don’t intrude in country’s foreign affairs’; MEA pulls up Kerala govt over IAS Vasuki’s ‘foreign secretary’ appointment
2
Mokokchung TimesKerala appoints state ‘foreign secretary’, BJP calls it blatant overreach
3
The HinduBJP takes issue with appointment of IAS officer for external cooperation
4
The StatesmanBJP takes dig at Kerala govt over appointment of Vasuki as ‘foreign secretary’ in state
5
India TodayBJP slams IAS officer’s appointment in Kerala, Chief Secretary denies report
6
Hindustan TimesMorning brief: Row erupts as Centre denies special status for Bihar; Kerala’s ‘foreign secretary’ controversy, and more
7
The HinduMEA tells States not to ‘intrude’ into foreign affairs after Kerala appoints senior officer for ‘external cooperation’
8
Hindustan TimesEvening briefing: Row after Kerala appoints ‘foreign secretary’; Centre calls study on Covid-19 ‘untenable’, and more
9
OpIndiaKerala government’s appointment of ‘Foreign Secretary’ is against Indian constitution itself
10
The Times of IndiaKerala govt’s ‘external cooperation’ secy fiasco elicits MEA warning

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