Amitabh Kant resigns as India’s G20 Sherpa, ending 45-year govt career
New Delhi, June 16, 2025 – Amitabh Kant, one of India’s most influential bureaucrats, has officially resigned as the country’s G20 Sherpa. This marks the end of a distinguished 45-year journey in public service. Over the decades, Kant helped shape modern India through innovation, strategic reforms, and international diplomacy.
He announced his departure via a post on X (formerly Twitter) and LinkedIn, expressing deep gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his colleagues. Kant also thanked several senior leaders, including Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman and External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar, for their constant support.
A Journey Rooted in Vision and Action
Kant’s journey began in 1980 when he joined the Indian Administrative Service (IAS), Kerala cadre. He quickly earned a reputation for creativity and strategic thinking. One of his early accomplishments was leading the famous “God’s Own Country” campaign that boosted Kerala tourism. Later, he helped develop the “Incredible India” brand, which redefined India’s global tourism appeal.
However, his impact went far beyond branding. As CEO of NITI Aayog from 2016 to 2022, Kant became a central figure in India’s development planning. He introduced bold ideas and worked closely with both central and state governments. For instance, he led initiatives like the Aspirational Districts Programme, which aimed to uplift India’s most underdeveloped regions.
Moreover, he supported industrial growth through the Production Linked Incentive (PLI) schemes and promoted innovation with the Atal Innovation Mission. He also helped shape India’s push for electric mobility and digital public infrastructure.
Leading India on the Global Stage
In July 2022, Kant took on the role of India’s G20 Sherpa. The timing was critical, as India prepared to take over the G20 presidency for 2023. The global environment was tense, with rising geopolitical conflicts and economic uncertainty. Despite these challenges, Kant’s leadership helped India steer a successful presidency.
Notably, he played a key role in finalizing the G20 New Delhi Leaders’ Declaration. This document avoided divisive language about the Russia-Ukraine war, yet emphasized the need for peace, cooperation, and global financial reform. Reaching consensus on the declaration was a major diplomatic victory for India.
Additionally, Kant strongly advocated for including the African Union as a permanent G20 member. This step, achieved under India’s presidency, was widely applauded as a move toward fairer global governance.
A Thoughtful Exit with a New Vision
In his farewell note, Kant reflected on his four-and-a-half-decade career. He wrote, “From district roles in Kerala to the global stage at the G20, it’s been an incredible journey. I am now ready to support free enterprise, startups, think tanks, and academia.”
Importantly, he emphasized that this is not a retirement but a shift in focus. Going forward, he plans to contribute to India’s development by mentoring entrepreneurs and supporting innovation ecosystems. He also aims to help advance the Viksit Bharat 2047 vision, which seeks to make India a developed nation by its 100th year of independence.
Widespread Praise Across Sectors
Leaders from across the political spectrum and the private sector praised Kant’s service. Prime Minister Narendra Modi called him a “pillar of policy innovation.” Similarly, Finance Minister Sitharaman lauded his ability to translate complex ideas into action.
From the startup community, founders credited Kant with creating a more welcoming environment for innovation. One entrepreneur noted, “He understood our language — growth, disruption, and scale. Bureaucrats like him are rare.”
Diplomats also acknowledged his contribution. His success as G20 Sherpa showed that India can lead on global platforms while promoting inclusive growth and sustainability.
What Lies Ahead?
Kant’s resignation opens the door for a new G20 Sherpa to be appointed. The next appointee will need to build on the momentum created during India’s G20 presidency. Key focus areas will likely include global south cooperation, digital inclusion, and climate finance.
Meanwhile, Kant is expected to remain active in public discussions and policymaking. According to insiders, several think tanks and universities have already approached him for advisory roles. He may also serve on corporate boards or join global institutions in roles that leverage his deep expertise in governance and diplomacy.
A Lasting Legacy
Amitabh Kant’s legacy is deeply tied to India’s transformation story. He combined vision with execution, whether in tourism campaigns, digital strategy, or international negotiations. His ability to connect grassroots development with global policymaking made him a rare kind of civil servant.
His departure marks the end of an era, yet it also signals a new beginning. As Kant moves into a more flexible role in India’s growth story, his influence is likely to remain significant. He has consistently shown that public service, when led with purpose and courage, can truly change lives and uplift a nation.
