Kerala Government's Move on Foreign Affairs Sparks Controversy: MEA Urges Adherence to Constitutional Boundaries

In a recent development, the Kerala government's decision to appoint a senior IAS officer as a 'Foreign Secretary' has triggered a strong response from the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA). The MEA has asserted that the appointment goes beyond the state's constitutional jurisdiction, which has sparked a broader debate on the limits of state authority in foreign matters.

On July 15, the Kerala government, led by Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, issued an order appointing K. Vasuki, a senior IAS officer, to the newly created position of Foreign Secretary. This role is intended to oversee matters related to external cooperation. However, this move has been met with sharp criticism from the MEA.

The MEA's spokesperson, Randhir Jaiswal, emphasized that according to the Indian Constitution, particularly the Seventh Schedule, foreign affairs fall exclusively under the Union List, which means they are within the purview of the central government. Jaiswal clarified that foreign affairs are neither a concurrent subject nor a state subject, reinforcing that state governments should refrain from involving themselves in matters outside their constitutional remit.

The appointment of K. Vasuki as Foreign Secretary has been described as an overreach by several political figures. K. Surendran, the BJP's Kerala unit chief, criticized the decision as a blatant violation of constitutional norms. He argued that such actions could set a dangerous precedent, suggesting that it might even lead to demands for a separate consulate or a dedicated Foreign Affairs Minister for Kerala.

The controversy highlights ongoing tensions between state and central authorities regarding jurisdictional boundaries. Critics argue that this move by the Kerala government undermines the unity and coherence of national foreign policy. As the debate continues, many are calling for the Kerala government to reconsider and revoke the appointment to align with national interests and constitutional principles.