Daijiworld Media Network - Mumbai

Mumbai, Oct 17: Indian Foreign Service (IFS) officer Rajesh Gawande has been appointed as Maharashtra’s new Secretary for Protocol, Foreign Direct Investment (FDI), and Diaspora Affairs, replacing Additional Chief Secretary Manisha Mhaiskar, who previously served as Chief Protocol Officer.

Gawande, currently the Regional Passport Officer (RPO) in Mumbai, will serve on state government deputation for two years, following approval by the Centre’s Appointments Committee of the Cabinet. He has already assumed charge and begun work, with the formal order regarding the new diaspora affairs portfolio to be issued after cabinet approval. The Protocol department is overseen by BJP Minister Jaykumar Rawal.

A 2009-batch IFS officer from Ahilyanagar district, Gawande has previously served at Indian missions in Nairobi, Kampala, and Berlin. He is also the branch secretary of the Ministry of External Affairs in Mumbai. This marks the first time an IFS officer has been appointed as Chief Protocol Officer in the Maharashtra government, with additional responsibility for FDI and Diaspora Affairs—two newly created portfolios aimed at strengthening the state’s global engagement.

Officials said the move reflects Maharashtra’s ambition to enhance interactions with foreign delegations, attract overseas investments, and bolster ties with the Indian diaspora.

Reflecting on her tenure, Mhaiskar, who served as Chief Protocol Officer for over five and a half years, expressed gratitude on social media, saying, “It has been an amazing journey… representing Bharat and the shining diamond in her crown, Maharashtra. I have met remarkable people, extraordinary diplomats, and made a few good friends for life. At the heart of international relations is Vasudhaiv Kutumbakam. I will always cherish my days at protocol.”