IndiGo appoints former NITI Aayog CEO Amitabh Kant as non-executive director

During his G20 tenure, Kant played a lead role in achieving consensus on the New Delhi Leaders’ Declaration.

IndiGo has announced the appointment of Amitabh Kant as a Non-Executive Director on the board of InterGlobe Aviation Ltd, the parent company of the airline. The appointment is subject to necessary regulatory and shareholder approvals.

Kant, a former IAS officer of the 1980 Kerala cadre batch, is known for his role in several key national initiatives, including ‘Make in India’, ‘Startup India’, and the ‘Incredible India’ tourism campaign. He most recently served as India’s G20 Sherpa during the country’s presidency of the grouping.

During his G20 tenure, Kant played a lead role in achieving consensus on the New Delhi Leaders’ Declaration. The agreement focused on global economic challenges, climate finance, digital public infrastructure, and reforms in key sectors like technology and geopolitics.

He also served as the CEO of NITI Aayog for six years, where he oversaw flagship programs like the Aspirational Districts Programme—praised by the UNDP for improving development indicators in underperforming regions. His past roles include stints with the National Highways Authority of India and India’s National Statistical Commission.

IndiGo’s board chairman Vikram Singh Mehta welcomed the appointment, stating, “Mr. Kant brings deep administrative and strategic experience. His global exposure and leadership will be invaluable to IndiGo, especially as we look to expand our international footprint.”

Commenting on his new role, Kant said, “IndiGo has played a major role in changing the face of air travel in India. I look forward to supporting its efforts to grow further, expand globally, and help turn Indian airports into hubs of connectivity and trade.”