Centre Appoints Rajesh Aggarwal as Next Commerce Secretary Ahead of Schedule
📅 By Author | April 21, 2025
📂 Category: Ministry of Commerce and Industry News, Bureaucratic Reshuffle 2025
🔑 Keywords: New Commerce Secretary, Rajesh Aggarwal IAS, India-US trade talks, Ministry of Commerce India, DGFT updates, Santosh Kumar Sarangi
In a significant administrative reshuffle, the Central Government appointed Rajesh Aggarwal, a 1994-batch IAS officer, as the next Commerce Secretary. Notably, this move comes six months ahead of the scheduled retirement of current Secretary Sunil Barthwal, who will step down on September 30, 2025.
Aggarwal to Spearhead India-US Trade Talks
Until then, Aggarwal will serve as Special Secretary in the Commerce Department. This early placement appears to be a strategic decision, especially as India intensifies negotiations for a bilateral trade deal with the United States. Moreover, he will lead a delegation to Washington next week, where he is expected to guide the ongoing discussions.
Clearly, the early appointment signals India’s proactive approach to trade diplomacy and ensures continuity in leadership during a critical phase of international engagement.
Key Bureaucratic Moves at a Glance
Rajesh Aggarwal (IAS, 1994 batch)
- New Position: Commerce Secretary
- Current Role: Special Secretary, Department of Commerce
- Main Task: Lead India-US trade negotiations
Santosh Kumar Sarangi (IAS, 1994 batch, Odisha cadre)
- New Role: Secretary, Ministry of New and Renewable Energy
- Previous Role: Director General of Foreign Trade (DGFT)
DGFT Transition Underway
Following Sarangi’s elevation, the government is likely to appoint a new Director General of Foreign Trade soon. In the meantime, an Additional DGFT may temporarily take charge. The DGFT plays a vital role in shaping and executing India’s Foreign Trade Policy. It also assists exporters and manages trade authorizations across 24 regional offices.
Broader Strategic Impact
This reshuffle highlights the government’s sharpened focus on both global trade and renewable energy. These two sectors are essential to India’s economic trajectory, especially in the current geopolitical and environmental landscape. Consequently, placing experienced officers in key roles demonstrates a clear intent to drive progress and stability.
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