The Government of India has approved the appointment of Ms. Limatula Yaden, a senior Indian Revenue Service (IRS) officer of the 1996 batch (Customs & Indirect Taxes), as the Minister (Customs) in the Permanent Mission of India (PMI) to the World Trade Organization (WTO), Geneva.

The appointment, cleared by the Appointments Committee of the Cabinet (ACC), comes in place of Shri Ganesh Dutt Lohani, IRS (C&IT:1993). Ms. Yaden will assume charge at the Pay Level-14 of the Pay Matrix under the Department of Commerce.

According to the official memorandum issued by the Department of Personnel and Training (DoPT), her tenure will be for a period of three years from the date she takes charge, or until further orders, whichever is earlier.

The role of Minister (Customs) in India’s Permanent Mission to the WTO holds critical importance as it involves representing India’s trade and customs-related interests in global trade negotiations, dispute settlements, and multilateral discussions under the WTO framework. This position is especially significant at a time when customs duties, trade barriers, and tariff regulations continue to be at the forefront of global economic discussions.

The Office Memorandum, marked “Most Immediate,” was circulated by Ms. Sakshi Mittal, Director (SM), and addressed to the Secretary, Department of Commerce, Shri Sunil Barthawal, for necessary action. Copies of the communication have also been shared with the Prime Minister’s Office, the Cabinet Secretariat, and other senior government officials.

Ms. Yaden’s appointment is expected to strengthen India’s representation at the WTO, particularly in negotiations involving customs duties, trade facilitation, and dispute resolution mechanisms that directly impact the country’s economic interests.

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