Amitabh Kant Steps Down as G20 Sherpa After 45 Years of Public Service

Veteran bureaucrat and reformist Amitabh Kant has officially resigned as India’s G20 Sherpa, concluding a remarkable 45-year-long career in public service. In a heartfelt post titled ‘My New Journey’, Kant announced his decision to pursue new avenues beyond government roles. Known for his instrumental role in India’s transformative development agendas and leadership during the country’s G20 Presidency, Kant’s resignation marks the end of an influential bureaucratic era.

Why in News?

Amitabh Kant submitted his resignation as G20 Sherpa on June 16, 2025. His tenure is widely credited for achieving unanimous consensus on the New Delhi Leaders’ Declaration during India’s G20 presidency. Kant has expressed intent to now focus on free enterprise, startups, think tanks, and academia.

Aim and Objectives of Kant’s G20 Role

• Aim: Represent India at G20 negotiations and summit-level discussions.

Objectives

• Build global consensus on key developmental priorities.
• Advance India’s interests in multilateral forums.
• Highlight India’s leadership on digital infrastructure, climate change, and inclusive development.

Background & Major Contributions

G20 Sherpa (2022–2025)

• Appointed in July 2022, ahead of India’s G20 Presidency.
• Oversaw one of the most inclusive and action-oriented G20 summits in history.
• Achieved consensus despite geopolitical tensions and expanded G20 to include the African Union.
• Highlighted Digital Public Infrastructure, Climate Finance, and Women-led Development as global priorities.

CEO of NITI Aayog (2016–2022)

• Spearheaded the Aspirational Districts Programme targeting India’s most backward regions.
• Pushed Production Linked Incentives (PLI), Atal Innovation Mission, and the Green Hydrogen Mission.
• Key advocate for Digital India and foundational policy initiatives for India’s digital economy.

Secretary, DIPP

• Led Make in India and Startup India campaigns.
• Focused on ease of doing business and industrial liberalisation.

Early Career Highlights

• Conceptualised ‘God’s Own Country’ campaign in Kerala.
• Pioneered the ‘Incredible India’ tourism branding strategy.
• Worked on regional development in Calicut Airport and coastal communities.

Legacy and Significance

• Represented a modern, reform-driven bureaucratic mindset.
• Blended grassroots learning with high-level strategic policymaking.
• Deeply involved in positioning India as a global leader in climate, innovation, and governance.
• Inspired inclusive development and engagement with the Global South.