New Delhi: The Government of India has approved an extension of the foreign deputation of senior IAS officer Jujjavarapu Balaji, who is currently serving as Minister (Agriculture) at the Indian Embassy in Rome. The decision was cleared by the Appointments Committee of the Cabinet (ACC), allowing the officer to continue representing India’s agricultural interests in Italy for an additional period.
In a separate development, IRS officer Aman Garg has been granted approval to take up a long-term international assignment with the International Finance Corporation (IFC), a member of the World Bank Group.
IAS Officer Balaji’s Tenure Extended
According to an order issued by the Department of Personnel and Training (DoPT) on March 5, 2026, the ACC has approved the proposal of the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare to extend Balaji’s foreign deputation.
The extension will allow him to continue in his current role for four months beyond August 29, 2026, or until further orders, whichever comes earlier.
Balaji, a 2001-batch IAS officer of the Assam-Meghalaya cadre, has been serving as Minister (Agriculture) at the Indian Embassy in Rome since June 2023. In this role, he has been responsible for strengthening agricultural cooperation between India and European partners while promoting India’s interests in international agricultural forums.
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Role in Agricultural Diplomacy
As Minister (Agriculture) in Rome, Balaji plays an important role in facilitating India’s agricultural engagement with European institutions and global organizations.
The extension of his tenure is expected to ensure continuity in diplomatic coordination and policy discussions related to agriculture, food security, and international cooperation.
Officials note that his continued presence in the role will support ongoing initiatives aimed at enhancing collaboration in agricultural technology, trade, and sustainable farming practices.
IRS Officer Aman Garg Gets IFC Assignment
In another key administrative decision, the government has approved the long-term foreign assignment of Aman Garg, an IRS officer of the 2008 batch from the Customs and Indirect Taxes cadre.
Garg has been appointed as Senior Country Officer at the International Finance Corporation (IFC), the private sector arm of the World Bank Group, in its India Office.
The Department of Personnel and Training confirmed that the appointment has been cleared by the competent authority following a proposal from the Department of Economic Affairs.
Tenure and Administrative Arrangements
The assignment will be for a period of three years from the date Garg assumes charge of the position or until further orders.
At present, he is serving as Director in the Department of Economic Affairs under the Central Staffing Scheme. To facilitate the new international assignment, his current deputation as Director will be curtailed.
According to the official memorandum, Garg will be considered relieved from his parent department once he takes charge of the IFC position.
Service Conditions and Compliance Rules
The government order also outlines certain administrative provisions related to the assignment.
If the officer remains abroad beyond the approved tenure without proper authorization, disciplinary action may be initiated. Such action could include delays in salary increments and adjustments affecting service records or pension-related benefits.
These rules are part of the government’s framework to ensure accountability during foreign deputations.
Strengthening India’s Global Engagement
These decisions highlight the government’s strategy of placing experienced civil servants in international roles to strengthen India’s global engagement.
While Balaji’s continued tenure in Rome supports India’s agricultural diplomacy in Europe, Garg’s appointment to the IFC will contribute to India’s interaction with global development finance institutions.
Foreign assignments such as these also provide senior bureaucrats with international exposure and enable them to contribute to policy discussions and development initiatives at a global level.
