Veteran bureaucrat and policy visionary Amitabh Kant has officially stepped down as India’s G20 Sherpa, marking the end of an illustrious 45-year career in public service. The announcement was made on June 16, 2025, through a heartfelt social media post, where Kant expressed gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and other senior leaders for their trust and support.
A Legacy of Transformational Leadership
Kant, a 1980-batch IAS officer from the Kerala cadre, played a pivotal role in shaping India’s development agenda through key roles including:
- CEO of NITI Aayog (2016–2022)
- Secretary, Department for Industrial Policy and Promotion
- Architect of flagship initiatives like Make in India, Startup India, Ease of Doing Business, and the Aspirational Districts Programme
As G20 Sherpa, he led India’s presidency in 2023, securing a unanimous New Delhi Leaders’ Declaration and facilitating the African Union’s inclusion in the G20, reinforcing India’s commitment to the Global South.
New Chapter Ahead
In his farewell note, Kant stated:
“After 45 years of dedicated government service, I have made the decision to embrace new opportunities and move forward in life.”
He plans to engage with startups, think tanks, and academic institutions, contributing to India’s journey toward Viksit Bharat (Developed India).
Tributes and Reflections
Kant’s departure has been met with widespread appreciation across political and policy circles. His leadership in digital public infrastructure, climate innovation, and inclusive governance has left a lasting imprint on India’s growth trajectory.
