Seasoned bureaucrat and development visionary Amitabh Kant has resigned as India’s G20 Sherpa after a stellar 45-year stint in the government. He announced on Monday on LinkedIn and X (formerly Twitter), thanking the people for allowing him to serve and contribute to India’s development and transformation.
“Having served the government diligently for 45 years, I have chosen to pursue new vistas and advance in life. I am deeply grateful to the Prime Minister of India for considering my resignation as G20 Sherpa and for having offered me the opportunity to spearhead a series of developmental programs and contribute to India’s growth, development, and advancement,” Kant wrote.
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
Amitabh Kant, a retired 1980-batch Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officer, was appointed as India’s G20 Sherpa in July 2022. As India’s G20 Sherpa, he coordinated G20 activities across all Union Territories and States, involved local artisans, showcased regional cuisine, and hosted a truly inclusive global conversation.
As he leaves the public sphere, Kant has set out his ambitions for the future with precision and purpose. “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,” he said.
Legacy in Policy and Development
Kant was also the CEO of NITI Aayog between 2016 and 2022. He was instrumental in developing turning-point programs like the Aspirational Districts Programme, which focused on 115 of India’s most backward districts.
Under his stewardship, the program enhanced socio-economic metrics and helped improve thousands of families nationwide.
Understanding the Role of a G20 Sherpa
A G20 Sherpa is an official representative of a country’s head of state, serving as the leader’s envoy to the meetings and negotiations preceding the G20 Summit. The Nepalese Himalayan Sherpas inspired the name, as they lead climbers through difficult expeditions, perfectly capturing the role of guiding complex global diplomacy.
Kant’s resignation signals the closure of a powerful phase in India’s international policymaking space, as hopes now converge on his contributions towards the private and knowledge economies.
