New Delhi, Aug 1: Nirupama Rao took charge as India's Foreign Secretary on Saturday, Aug 1.She assumed charge from incumbent Shiv Shankar Menon.

Fifty eight-year-old Nirupama Rao, a 1973-batch Indian Foreign Service officer, has served in a number of key positions.

She takes charge at a time when India and Pakistan are going through tough times in the aftermath of the 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks in 2008.

Prior to her posting in Beijing as Ambassador, Rao served as India's envoy to Sri Lanka and was the country"s first woman spokesperson.

Previously, Rao had served in the Indian Missions in Washington and Moscow besides having a stint in the Ministry of External Affairs as Joint Secretary (East Asia) for eight years.

Earlier this month, Rao had told ANI TV during a trip to Japan that she is looking forward to her new assignment with optimism and is ready for the challenges that comes with job.

"I will look forward to the new assignment with great deal of optimism and sense of anticipation. I'm fully aware that there will be challenges to be met, I'll look forward to it," Rao told ANI.

ANI