Amitabh Kant steps down as India’s G20 Sherpa, embarks on new chapter to back startups, free enterprise

Amitabh Kant, one of India's most prominent bureaucrats and policy architects, has formally stepped down from government service after a prolific 45-year career, announcing a new phase of life where he aims to support free enterprise, startups, think tanks, and academic institutions.

The former CEO of NITI Aayog and India’s G20 Sherpa shared the development in a heartfelt message on LinkedIn, expressing gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and colleagues across ministries for their support.

“After 45 years of dedicated government service, I have made the decision to embrace new opportunities,” Kant said.

“I am incredibly thankful to the Prime Minister for accepting my resignation as G20 Sherpa and for the trust he placed in me to drive developmental initiatives that shaped India’s growth trajectory. His vision, discipline and commitment to building a stronger, more inclusive India have been a constant source of inspiration."

Kant has been a key figure in promoting the "Make in India" initiative, which aims to boost domestic manufacturing and attract foreign investment. Time again, he highlighted the campaign's potential to transform India into a global manufacturing hub and emphasized its role in driving economic growth. He envisioned "Make in India" as a catalyst for structural changes in the Indian economy, focusing on industrial growth, job creation, and skill development.

His resignation as Sherpa comes months after India wrapped up its landmark G20 presidency in 2023 under his leadership—a globally lauded effort that saw the successful adoption of the New Delhi Leaders’ Declaration amidst geopolitical tensions, and the historic inclusion of the African Union as a permanent member of the G20.

Kant’s name is synonymous with India’s most high-impact policy and branding initiatives. His career spans multiple ministries and missions:

G20 Presidency (2023): As Sherpa, he played a central role in formulating a consensus-driven, developmental agenda for India’s G20 presidency. His leadership focused on equity for the Global South, digital public infrastructure, and cooperative federalism.

NITI Aayog CEO: At the helm of India’s policy think tank, Kant launched the Aspirational Districts Programme, Atal Innovation Mission, and worked on flagship initiatives like the Green Hydrogen Mission and PLI (Production Linked Incentive) schemes across manufacturing sectors.

DIPP Secretary: As Secretary in the Department for Industrial Policy and Promotion, he spearheaded Startup India, Ease of Doing Business, and Make in India—programs that significantly reformed India’s business and investment climate. These transformed India’s business landscape and helped the country climb 79 places in the World Bank rankings.

Tourism and Kerala Cadre Legacy: Early in his career, Kant conceptualized and led the iconic “God’s Own Country” campaign for Kerala Tourism and later the “Incredible India” campaign at the national level, both of which revolutionized India's tourism branding globally.

"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," the post read.

In his note, Kant emphasized his desire to now support India’s transformation into a Viksit Bharat (Developed India) through mentoring and engaging with India’s entrepreneurial ecosystem.

“I now look forward to contributing to India’s transformational journey… by facilitating and supporting free enterprise, startups, think tanks, and academic institutions,” he wrote.

He ended the note saying, "To my Ministers—Ms. Nirmala Sitharaman & Dr S.Jaishankar & Prl Secy to PM Shri P.K.Mishra -I am grateful for your guidance and support. To all my colleagues, mentors & friends—thank you for your inspiration...India has always been, and will always be, Incredible. Humbled to have played a small role. Thank you for being part of this journey."

Kant’s departure marks the end of an era in Indian policymaking but also the beginning of a new one where his influence may continue from outside the corridors of power.