Amitabh Kant Steps Down as G20 Sherpa: End of an Era in Indian Diplomacy
In a significant development in India’s diplomatic and administrative landscape, Amitabh Kant has officially stepped down as the G20 Sherpa, concluding a distinguished 45-year-long career in public service. His resignation marks the closure of an influential chapter in Indian governance, characterized by transformative reforms, visionary policymaking, and strategic global diplomacy.
A Legacy Built Over Decades
Amitabh Kant is a 1980-batch IAS officer of the Kerala cadre. Over his four-and-a-half-decade career, he has held multiple key positions, most notably as the CEO of NITI Aayog and Secretary of the Department for Industrial Policy and Promotion (DIPP). Known for his role in launching and executing campaigns such as Make in India, Startup India, Incredible India, and the Aspirational Districts Programme, Kant has consistently shaped India’s growth narrative at both domestic and international levels.
His administrative and economic insights have contributed immensely to India’s improved global perception as a reform-oriented and investment-friendly nation.
Leadership as G20 Sherpa
Steering India’s Global Agenda
In July 2022, just ahead of India assuming the presidency of the G20, Amitabh Kant was appointed as India’s Sherpa—a pivotal role requiring strategic negotiation, policy coordination, and global diplomacy. Under his stewardship, India’s G20 Presidency was widely recognized as inclusive, pragmatic, and action-driven.
Kant led over 200 meetings across different verticals of G20 governance. He was instrumental in articulating India’s stance on critical global issues, including sustainable development, climate change, digital transformation, food and energy security, and inclusive finance.
Crafting the G20 Delhi Declaration
One of his most celebrated achievements as G20 Sherpa was facilitating the adoption of the New Delhi Leaders’ Declaration. This was a diplomatic success, as it achieved consensus despite heightened geopolitical tensions arising from the Russia-Ukraine war. The negotiations reportedly required immense effort, involving more than 200 hours of deliberations, 15 revised drafts, and hundreds of bilateral meetings.
His ability to build consensus on complex international issues has been widely appreciated, establishing him as a skilled and seasoned negotiator on the global stage.
Blending Policy with Grassroots Diplomacy
Amitabh Kant brought a unique approach to India’s G20 Presidency by not limiting it to elite global forums. Instead, he encouraged wider participation by holding meetings in multiple states and Union Territories, showcasing India’s diversity and promoting cooperative federalism. Cultural representation, local craftsmanship, and indigenous innovation were placed at the forefront of India’s global diplomacy.
This inclusive model was seen as a departure from traditional state-led diplomacy, reflecting Kant’s belief in democratizing governance at all levels.
The Resignation: A Personal Note
On June 16, 2025, Amitabh Kant officially announced his resignation through a heartfelt message titled “My New Journey.” In the note, he expressed his gratitude for having served India over four and a half decades and thanked the Prime Minister and colleagues for their support throughout his journey.
He stated that the time had come to begin a new chapter in life, where he would focus on contributing to India’s future through non-governmental avenues—such as supporting entrepreneurship, think tanks, academia, and innovation-led institutions.
His statement reflected not just a retirement from office but a continued commitment to India’s transformation.
Policy Contributions Beyond G20
Architect of Reform
Even before his G20 tenure, Kant had already become a household name in the governance space. His efforts in launching the Make in India initiative provided a fresh impetus to domestic manufacturing and FDI inflow. Through Startup India, he catalyzed one of the world’s most dynamic entrepreneurial ecosystems.
As CEO of NITI Aayog, he championed the Aspirational Districts Programme, focusing on last-mile development by improving health, education, infrastructure, and livelihood opportunities in backward regions. These districts are now often cited as examples of successful decentralized policy execution.
Championing Digital Infrastructure
Kant has long been a proponent of leveraging technology for governance. His emphasis on Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) led to global recognition of India’s digital models like Aadhaar, UPI, Co-WIN, DigiLocker, and more. These platforms have now become case studies in how countries can deliver efficient, low-cost public services at scale.
During India’s G20 Presidency, Kant actively promoted the DPI model to the Global South, advocating for its replication in developing economies to enable inclusive growth and digital equity.
Focus Areas Going Forward
Following his resignation, Kant has indicated his interest in supporting the next phase of India’s transformation. His vision revolves around:
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Promoting Startups: He aims to mentor startups and promote deep-tech innovation and public–private R&D.
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Strengthening Think Tanks: Kant plans to contribute to policy design and analysis through collaboration with Indian and global think tanks.
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Academic Engagements: By teaching and writing, he intends to influence the next generation of leaders and policymakers.
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Supporting ‘Viksit Bharat’ Vision: Kant remains committed to contributing toward the national goal of transforming India into a developed nation by 2047.
While his bureaucratic career may have ended, his involvement in India’s strategic growth journey is far from over.
Tributes and Institutional Response
Kant’s resignation has been acknowledged with appreciation across government, policy circles, and the business community. Senior officials recognized his leadership, clarity of vision, and dedication to reform.
With his exit, the focus now turns to the appointment of a new G20 Sherpa who will carry forward India’s legacy in multilateral platforms. Kant’s successor will inherit a strong foundation of digital, diplomatic, and development-centric initiatives that he helped establish.
Conclusion
Amitabh Kant’s resignation as G20 Sherpa marks the end of an era in India’s administrative and diplomatic history. His contributions have been both visionary and deeply impactful—redefining the scope of bureaucracy, policymaking, and international diplomacy. From transforming India’s global image to building inclusive economic models, his work will remain foundational in the years ahead.
Even in his departure, Kant’s message is clear: the journey of nation-building is a collective, ongoing mission—and he intends to continue walking that path, just from a different role.
His legacy as an architect of modern India is firmly established, and his future contributions, though unofficial, are expected to be no less influential.
