On March 31, 2025, the Government of India announced an important appointment in which Indian Foreign Service (IFS) officer Nidhi Tiwari has been appointed as the new Personal Secretary (Private Secretary) of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The appointment has come into effect with immediate effect and has been approved by the Appointments Committee of the Cabinet, according to an official order issued by the Department of Personnel and Training (DoPT). Let us know who Nidhi Tiwari is, how has been her career so far and what will be her responsibilities in this new role.
Who is Nidhi Tiwari?
Nidhi Tiwari is a 2014 batch Indian Foreign Service (IFS) officer who has held many important responsibilities in her career. She was serving as Deputy Secretary in the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) since November 2022. Prior to this, she served as Under Secretary in the Disarmament and International Security Affairs Division of the Ministry of External Affairs. Nidhi Tiwari started her career by clearing the Civil Services Examination in 2013. Before passing this exam, she was working as Assistant Commissioner (Commercial Tax) in Varanasi and along with the job, she also prepared for the civil services.
During her tenure as Deputy Secretary in the PMO, Nidhi Tiwari worked in the ‘Foreign and Security’ vertical, which reports to National Security Advisor (NSA) Ajit Doval. During this time he focused specifically on issues related to foreign affairs, nuclear energy, security matters and the state of Rajasthan. Her more than three years of experience in the PMO has prepared her for this new and important responsibility.
How was the appointment done?
The process of appointment of Nidhi Tiwari was conducted by the Department of Personnel and Training (DoPT). According to an official memorandum issued on March 29, 2025, the Appointments Committee of the Cabinet approved her appointment. This appointment has come into effect with immediate effect and Nidhi Tiwari will now serve as Private Secretary at Level 12 of the Pay Matrix. This appointment has been made on the basis of co-terminus, that is, it will be effective as long as she remains in this post or till further orders.
What will be the responsibilities of Nidhi Tiwari?
As the Private Secretary to the Prime Minister, Nidhi Tiwari’s responsibilities will be very important and extensive. Her role in this position will focus on the following aspects:
Managing the daily work of the Prime Minister: Nidhi Tiwari will be responsible for managing the daily schedule, meetings and visits of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. She will have to ensure that all the programs are completed smoothly and on time.
Policy and administrative coordination: She will be an important link in coordination between the PMO and various ministries, departments and other stakeholders. Her role will be important in implementing policy decisions and monitoring their progress.
Focus on foreign and security affairs: Given her previous experience, Nidhi Tiwari will pay special attention to issues related to foreign policy, security and international affairs. She will provide advice and assistance to the Prime Minister in these areas.
Communication and confidentiality: As a Private Secretary, she will have to handle sensitive and confidential information. She will manage the Prime Minister’s messages, correspondence and communication, as well as ensure that all information is secure.
Implementing the Prime Minister’s Priorities: Nidhi Tiwari will have to ensure that the Prime Minister’s priorities and directives reach all concerned parties and are followed. She will monitor the progress of various projects and initiatives.
Nidhi Tiwari’s Career and Achievements
Nidhi Tiwari faced many challenges in her career and proved her worth at every step. Before joining the civil service, she worked as Assistant Commissioner (Commercial Tax) in Varanasi and prepared for the civil services examination along with the job. After passing this examination in 2013, she entered the Indian Foreign Service (IFS). As Under Secretary in the Ministry of External Affairs, she worked on disarmament and international security matters, which is a complex and sensitive area.
Her tenure as Deputy Secretary in the PMO gave her in-depth experience of high-level administration and policy making. Her role in the foreign and security vertical gave her a deep understanding of working at the national and international level, which will now prove extremely useful in her new responsibility.