A Remarkable Bureaucratic Journey Concludes with a Vision for ‘Viksit Bharat’
Amitabh Kant, one of India’s most distinguished bureaucrats and visionary policy architects, has formally stepped down from public service, marking the end of a transformative 45-year career in governance and nation-building. His resignation as India’s G20 Sherpa was accepted by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, effective June 15, 2025.
A 1980-batch IAS officer from the Kerala cadre, Mr. Kant leaves behind a legacy defined by innovation, inclusive development, and global leadership in economic and digital policymaking.
Helming India’s G20 Presidency: A Defining Role
Appointed as India’s G20 Sherpa in July 2022, succeeding Piyush Goyal, Mr. Kant played a pivotal role in steering India’s G20 Presidency. His leadership culminated in the successful New Delhi Summit (September 9–10, 2023), where India secured a rare global consensus on the New Delhi Leaders’ Declaration despite a highly polarized geopolitical environment.
In a farewell statement shared on social media, Mr. Kant described his tenure as G20 Sherpa as a defining chapter of his career, crediting Prime Minister Modi’s leadership for driving an inclusive and people-centric global agenda. Notably, he highlighted the inclusion of the African Union in the G20 as a major achievement, reaffirming India’s commitment to the Global South.
Trailblazing Reforms at NITI Aayog
As the CEO of NITI Aayog (2016–2022), Mr. Kant led multiple high-impact national initiatives, including:
Aspirational Districts Programme – Transforming 115 underdeveloped districts
National Electric Mobility Mission – Driving sustainable transport solutions
SDG Localisation & LiFE (Lifestyle for Environment) – Aligning local development with global sustainability goals
Atal Innovation Mission & Green Hydrogen Mission – Catalyzing India’s innovation and climate action
Production-Linked Incentive (PLI) Schemes – Revitalizing the manufacturing ecosystem
He was instrumental in positioning India as a global leader in digital public infrastructure and scalable governance models.
Championing Economic Reforms: ‘Make in India’ and Startup India
During his tenure as Secretary of the Department for Industrial Policy and Promotion (DIPP), Mr. Kant was a driving force behind India’s dramatic improvement—by 79 positions—in the World Bank’s Ease of Doing Business rankings. His efforts laid the foundation for flagship national campaigns such as:
Make in India
Startup India
Ease of Doing Business
These initiatives significantly enhanced India’s economic competitiveness and investor confidence.
Early Career and Tourism Revolution: From Kerala to ‘Incredible India’
Mr. Kant began his administrative career in Kerala, where he launched the iconic ‘God’s Own Country’ campaign, oversaw the redevelopment of Calicut city, expansion of Calicut Airport, and collaborated closely with coastal communities. These early projects shaped his belief in grassroots development.
As Secretary in the Ministry of Tourism, he conceptualized the globally acclaimed ‘Incredible India’ campaign, highlighting tourism’s role in economic growth, cultural pride, and soft diplomacy.
What’s Next: From Bureaucracy to Thought Leadership
Though retiring from government service, Mr. Kant has clarified that his mission continues. In his farewell note, he expressed his commitment to advancing India’s journey toward ‘Viksit Bharat’ (Developed India) by:
Supporting entrepreneurship and free enterprise
Promoting innovation and startups
Collaborating with think tanks and academic institutions
He also expressed gratitude to key leaders including Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar, and Principal Secretary to the PM Dr. P.K. Mishra, calling their support “invaluable.”
A Lasting Legacy of Reform and Strategic Vision
Amitabh Kant’s career is a testament to the power of visionary public service grounded in innovation, inclusion, and global engagement. From revolutionizing tourism to shaping India’s digital governance and leading global diplomacy, his contributions are embedded in the fabric of modern India.
As the nation continues its march toward ambitious development goals, his legacy will remain a beacon for future leaders and policymakers.
