Kerala’s first State-Level Foreign Secretary: Here’s why it matters, details inside

In a groundbreaking move, the Kerala government has appointed IAS officer K. Vasuki as the state's secretary in charge of matters concerning external cooperation. With the BJP and Congress accusing the Pinarayi Vijayan administration of going beyond constitutional bounds, this unprecedented decision has triggered a contentious debate.

Kerala Chief Secretary Dr. V. Venu has clarified the state's position, asserting that the appointment is part of a broader effort to foster new relationships crucial for the state's development. "There are more pressing issues for the public to discuss," Dr. Venu remarked, urging the public not to be misled by "fake news" surrounding the appointment.

Dr. Venu responded to criticism on social media by saying that the Kerala government is fully aware that foreign policy is the responsibility of the federal government. The speaker explained that in order to effectively coordinate the Kerala government's frequent interactions with embassy delegations and various foreign and multilateral agencies, a specialized role is needed.

The Chief Secretary elaborated that the new position aims to streamline cooperative efforts in commercial, industrial, and cultural fields. "When the Chief Minister or state ministers travel abroad, these interactions often lead to visits from foreign representatives to Kerala, seeking new contacts," Dr. Venu noted. 

The national government still retains jurisdiction over diplomatic relations, as he underlined, and the action does not amount to an attempt to establish such relations. Because these talks are now happening more frequently, they also discuss the need for improved coordination. According to him, the external cooperation division was established to facilitate these kinds of interactions more effectively.

Congress MP Shashi Tharoor also weighed in, defending the appointment as a practical measure. Tharoor stated, "There is nothing unusual about this. The Kerala government always designates someone to handle these matters. Given the significant Kerala diaspora, many issues concerning their welfare abroad come to the state government's attention. This does not imply that the state is overstepping its authority." 

According to the Constitution, the Union government serves as a mediator in all external relations and is in charge of foreign affairs. Tharoor expounded on this idea. He clarified that the appointment of K. Vasukis was a deliberate action to increase accountability within the state government.

However, BJP State President K. Surendran condemned the appointment, calling it a "blatant overreach" and a violation of the Union List of the Constitution. In a social media post, Surendran questioned if Kerala is attempting to set itself up as a separate nation and charged the LDF government with setting a dangerous precedent.

Cleared up in the July 15th order was the Secretary of Labor and Skills K. It would be Vasuki's additional duty to oversee outside collaboration. When Vasuki coordinates with the Ministry of External Affairs Missions and Embassies, the Resident Commissioner at Kerala House in the nation's capital will assist her.

This historic appointment marks Kerala as the first state in India to establish such a role, underscoring its commitment to enhancing global cooperation and development for the benefit of its citizens.