Amitabh Kant, India’s G20 Sherpa and former NITI Aayog CEO, stepped down on June 16, 2025, marking the end of his 45-year-long public service career. He now plans to support startups, think tanks, and India’s journey toward becoming a developed nation.
Veteran bureaucrat and policymaker Amitabh Kant officially stepped down from his role as India’s G20 Sherpa on June 16, 2025, concluding a notable 45-year-long career in public service. Kant, who also served as the former CEO of NITI Aayog, announced the move via a heartfelt post on the social media platform X, formerly Twitter.
In his announcement, Kant said, “After 45 years of dedicated government service, I have made the decision to embrace new opportunities and move forward in life.” He thanked the Prime Minister of India for the trust and the opportunity to lead several pivotal developmental initiatives, especially during India’s G20 Presidency.
Kant further added, “I now look forward to contributing to India’s transformational journey towards Viksit Bharat by facilitating and supporting free enterprise, startups, think tanks, and academic institutions.”
G20 Presidency and Developmental Milestones
Amitabh Kant’s tenure as India’s G20 Sherpa was marked by the country’s successful presidency in 2023. In a detailed post on LinkedIn, he highlighted India’s ability to navigate complex geopolitical tensions and secure unanimous consensus on the New Delhi Leaders’ Declaration. His efforts also helped integrate the African Union into the G20 framework, strengthening the voice of the Global South.
India’s G20 presidency under Kant emphasized inclusive governance, cultural pride, and infrastructural modernization, embodying India’s rising diplomatic and development leadership.
Legacy at NITI Aayog and Earlier Tenures
During his time as CEO of NITI Aayog, Kant was instrumental in spearheading programs such as the Aspirational Districts Programme, aimed at uplifting underdeveloped regions in India. He played a crucial role in building India’s digital public infrastructure and championed reforms across innovation, manufacturing, and sustainability.
His contributions extended to launching the Green Hydrogen Mission, expanding PLI schemes, and strengthening the Atal Innovation Mission. As Secretary of the Department for Industrial Policy and Promotion, he pushed landmark programs like Startup India, Make in India, and Ease of Doing Business.
Roots in Kerala and Vision Ahead
Reflecting on his beginnings, Kant recalled his early work in Kerala, where he contributed to tourism through the “God’s Own Country” campaign and helped transform Calicut city. He was also behind the globally recognized “Incredible India” tourism campaign during his tenure in the Ministry of Tourism.
Now, moving forward, Amitabh Kant aims to remain active in India’s developmental ecosystem by engaging with entrepreneurs, academic institutions, and policy think tanks.
India has always been, and will always be, Incredible. Humbled to have played a small role,” he concluded.
