Rajesh Kumar Singh.
New Delhi: Rajesh Kumar Singh will be the new defence secretary of India. The government appointed him to the post in a major bureaucratic reshuffle, announced on Friday.
Singh, a 1989-batch Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officer of the Kerala cadre, will succeed Giridhar Aramane, who is set to retire on October 31.
Aramane has held the defence secretary’s post since November 1, 2022. His tenure has been marked by efforts to modernize India’s defence infrastructure and enhance strategic capabilities.
Singh currently serves as the secretary for the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) under the commerce and industry ministry . His extensive experience in various administrative roles has been instrumental in shaping policies that promote industrial growth and trade in India.
Singh’s appointment comes as part of a broader reshuffle approved by the Appointments Committee of the Cabinet (ACC), which includes several other high-profile changes across various ministries. Singh will initially take charge as officer on special duty (OSD) in the defence ministry before officially assuming the role of defence secretary upon Aramane’s retirement.
Throughout his career, Singh has held numerous key positions, including roles in the Union home ministry and Union finance ministry. His tenure at DPIIT has been marked by significant achievements, including the implementation of policies aimed at boosting foreign direct investment and enhancing the ease of doing business in India.
Singh’s appointment is expected to bring a wealth of experience and a fresh perspective to the defence ministry, as India continues to modernize its armed forces and strengthen its defence capabilities. His leadership will be crucial in navigating the complex challenges facing the defence sector, including procurement, indigenization, and strategic partnerships.
