MEA has criticized the Kerala government for appointing a Secretary for External Cooperation, emphasizing that foreign affairs are solely under the jurisdiction of the Union Government.

Kerala Government’s Appointment of Secretary for External Cooperation Sparks Controversy

The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) of India has criticized the Kerala government for appointing a Secretary for External Cooperation, emphasizing that foreign affairs are solely under the jurisdiction of the Union Government. This move has triggered a debate over constitutional boundaries and state versus central government roles in foreign relations.

Kerala Government’s Appointment

On July 15, the Kerala government appointed senior IAS officer K Vasuki as Secretary for External Cooperation. The order indicated that Vasuki, also serving as Secretary (Labour and Skills), would oversee matters related to external cooperation. The Resident Commissioner at Kerala House in Delhi was designated to assist Vasuki and liaise with the Ministry of External Affairs, missions, and embassies.

MEA’s Response

MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal highlighted that foreign affairs are a prerogative of the Union Government, as specified in the Constitution of India under the 7th Schedule list 1–Union list, item 10. Jaiswal stated, “Foreign affairs are 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.”

Criticism from BJP

The appointment has drawn significant criticism from the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). State BJP President K Surendran condemned the move as a “blatant overreach” and a violation of the Union list of the Constitution. He questioned whether Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan was trying to establish Kerala as a separate nation. Surendran also raised concerns about the Kerala government’s history of alleged scams and suggested that the appointment might be aimed at protecting financial dealings in the Gulf countries.

Former Minister of State (MoS) in the MEA, V Muraleedharan, also criticized the appointment, calling it a challenge to federal principles. He expressed concerns about the true motives behind the decision, given the state government’s history of controversial foreign consulate ties.

Defending the Move

Kerala Chief Secretary Dr. V Venu defended the appointment, stating it was intended to establish new relations for the state’s development and was not meant to engage in diplomatic relations. Congress MP Shashi Tharoor also defended the appointment, describing it as a focal point of responsibility within the government aimed at better coordination and the betterment of Keralites abroad.

Constitutional and Legal Perspectives

Former Foreign Secretary Harsh Vardhan Shringla pointed out that the order violates the Indian constitution and suggested that the Kerala government either amend or revoke it. Shringla emphasized that “external cooperation” refers to foreign policy, which is under the purview of the Union Government.

Journalists, experts, and social media users have echoed concerns about the appointment, highlighting that foreign affairs fall under the Union list, and such moves by state governments could threaten national integrity and set a dangerous precedent.

Implications for Federalism

The controversy underscores ongoing tensions between state and central government roles in India. The appointment has raised fears of states attempting to usurp Union government powers, potentially harming the federal structure enshrined in the Constitution. Critics argue that such moves could embolden other states to make similar appointments, furthering divisions and undermining national unity.

Conclusion

The Kerala government’s appointment of a Secretary for External Cooperation has sparked a significant constitutional debate and highlighted the delicate balance of federalism in India. As the controversy unfolds, it raises important questions about the roles and responsibilities of state versus central governments in managing foreign relations and ensuring national integrity.