Amitabh Kant resigns as India's G20 Sherpa, brings an end to 45-year public service career

India's G20 Sherpa and former Niti Aayog CEO Amitabh Kant

India’s G20 Sherpa Amitabh Kant on June 16 announced that he is stepping down from his role, ending a 45-year career in public service. The former Niti Aayog CEO thanked Prime Minister Narendra Modi, finance minister Nirmala Sitharaman and others, saying it’s time for him to “embrace new opportunities”.

Kant, a retired 1980-batch Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officer of Kerala cadre, was appointed as India's G20 Sherpa in July 2022, months before India assumed the G20 Presidency.

“After 45 years of dedicated government service, I have made the decision to embrace new opportunities and move forward in life. I am incredibly thankful to the Prime Minister of India for accepting my resignation as G20 Sherpa and for having given me the opportunity to drive a range of developmental initiatives and contribute to the growth, development, and progress of India,” he said in a post on X and LinkedIn.

My New Journey:After 45 years of dedicated government service, I have made the decision to embrace new opportunities and move forward in life. I am incredibly thankful to the Prime Minister of India for accepting my resignation as G20 Sherpa and for having given me the
Amitabh Kant (@amitabhk87) June 16, 2025

Kant said he is ‘grateful’ to all his friends and colleagues and now he is looking forward to contribute to India’s “transformational journey” by supporting startups and think tanks.

He recalled his journey in public service that began in Kerala.

"My journey began in Kerala, where I learned the value of grassroots development. From the “God’s Own Country” campaign to rejuvenating Calicut city by reviving Mananchaira Maidan, removing vast encroachments, expanding Calicut Airport and working closely with fishing community -these experiences shaped my career."

Kant has helmed various public policy roles over the years, including as Niti Aayog CEO for over six years where he was instrumental in driving the think tank's direction on asset monetisation, digital India, disinvestment plans, electric vehicles among others.

As the secretary of the department of Industrial policy and promotion, Kant drove key initiatives such as make-in-India, ease of doing business, Startup India, and several others.

With agency inputs