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The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has reacted sharply to the move by state government of Kerala appointing an IAS officer as a foreign secretary.

Addressing his weekly media briefing on Thursday the 25th of July 2024, the official spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said domain of foreign affairs is the “sole prerogative” of the Union Government and not concurrent or state subject, adding that the state governments should not intrude into matters that are beyond their constitutional jurisdiction.

It may be recalled that according to a recent order issued by the state government of Kerala, an IAS officer K Vasuki has been appointed as a foreign secretary with a specific charge of “matters concerning external cooperation”.

Jaiswal added – “The Constitution of India, under the 7th Schedule list 1–Union list, item 10, clearly specifies that foreign affairs and all matters which bring the Union into relation with any foreign country, are the sole prerogative of the Union Government.”

“Foreign affairs is not a concurrent subject and definitely not a state subject. Our position is that State governments should not intrude into matters that are beyond their  constitutional jurisdiction,” the MEA Spokesperson added.

The news from the southern state had added that apart from appointing its own ‘foreign secretary’ the Resident Commissioner at Kerala House in the national capital will be supporting Mr Vasuki in matters concerning external cooperation and will liaise with the Ministry of External Affairs, Missions, and Embassies.

Kerala’s move had already attracted wide criticism from the ruling BJP party

Various media reports suggests BJP State President of the Kerala State, K Surendran had castigated the Pinarayi Vijayan-led Kerala government, saying that it is a “blatant overreach” and a violation of the Union List of the Constitution.
“The appointment of an IAS officer as ‘Foreign Secretary’ in Kerala by CM Pinarayi Vijayan is a blatant overreach and a violation of the Union list of our Constitution. The LDF government has no mandate for  foreign affairs. This unconstitutional move sets a dangerous precedent. Is CM Pinarayi Vijayan trying to establish Kerala as a separate nation?” Surendran said on recent twitter post on X.

Jaiswal also reacted to a similar news regarding constitutional jurisdiction issue with regard to West Bengal’s chief minister Mamata Banerjee’s comments to provide shelter to people allegedly fleeing Bangladesh in wake of recent violence in that country.

The MEA spokesperson added that he is confirming that  – India has received a “diplomatic note” from Dhaka while “protesting” against comments by Mamata Banerjee.

Randhir Jaiswal reiterated that matters of foreign affairs of the nation are the “sole prerogative” of the Centre.
“I can confirm that we have received a diplomatic note, a communication from the Bangladesh side protesting the comments made by the West Bengal CM. It is essentially on the lines described in the reports,” Jaiswal added.

Earlier this week, West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee said that her government would provide “shelter” to “helpless individuals” from Bangladesh who seek refuge, amidst ongoing protests in the neighbouring country.

While responding to media questions, Jaiswal stated that up till now 6,700 Indian students have returned India. And India has received excellent cooperation from Sheikh Hasini government in facilitating their transit.