Sushma Swaraj likely to become the next foreign minister of India

NEW DELHI: Sushma Swaraj is likely to become the next foreign minister of India, sources here said ahead of PM-designate Narendra Modi’s swearing-in ceremony.

As expected, senior leader Arun Jaitley will head finance ministry with additional charge of corporate affairs. According to sources, corporate affairs ministry may eventually be merged with the finance ministry.

BJP president Rajnath Singh will head the Union home ministry. As home minister he will also be responsible for internal security. It was being speculated earlier that a separate ministry could be created for internal security.There is still no clarity about who will head the defence ministry.

Sources familiar with government formation process said Modi will keep his promise not to have a bloated Cabinet. 23 Cabinet ministers, 10 MoS (minister of state) with independent charge and another 10 MoS will take oath along with Modi on Monday evening.

The oath-taking will start at 6pm. It will take place in the presence of SAARC leaders, including‎ Pakistan PM Nawaz Sharif, and Mauritius PM Naveenchandra Ramgoolam.