Shaktikanta Das Steps into New Role as PM Modi's Second Principal Secretary

Feb, 28 2025

In an unprecedented move, Shaktikanta Das, who led the Reserve Bank of India from 2018 to 2023, has been appointed as the second Principal Secretary to Prime Minister Narendra Modi. This marks the first time such a position has been created within the Prime Minister's Office (PMO). The announcement came on February 23, 2025, adding a strategic dimension to the PMO as Das joins forces with the current Principal Secretary, PK Mishra.

The addition of Das to the PMO highlights an intensified focus on economic strategy as the country navigates fiscal pressures. The Indian government's decision to bring in a financial heavyweight like Das hints at a robust push towards managing complex economic dynamics. Notably, his tenure ties directly to the Prime Minister's term, ensuring continuity and alignment in policymaking decisions.

Profile of Shaktikanta Das

Das's journey is marked by critical financial roles that have shaped India's economic policies. As a 1980-batch Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officer from the Tamil Nadu cadre, his experiences extend beyond his tenure as RBI Governor. His career trajectory includes roles such as Economic Affairs Secretary and Revenue Secretary, alongside being India's G20 Sherpa. Each role has fortified his reputation as a capable administrator and policy strategist.

During his time at the RBI, Das orchestrated a diverse set of responses to pivotal challenges such as the COVID-19 pandemic. His leadership was instrumental in implementing liquidity measures aimed at market stabilization during these unpredictable times. Das was also key in executing landmark economic policies like the demonetization of 2016 and the rollout of the Goods and Services Tax (GST) in 2017, which had profound impacts on India's financial landscape.

Why This Appointment Matters

The appointment comes amidst growing fiscal pressures, such as pension expenses outpacing salary budgets—a situation demanding deft economic management. Das is no stranger to working collaboratively with government and financial institutions, making him a strategic asset as the government confronts these financial challenges.

This move signifies not just a recognition of Das's past accomplishments but an assurance to tackle future challenges with decisive and informed economic strategies. His comprehensive knowledge and experience in handling fiscal policies and challenges make him well-suited to steer the PMO in aligning India's economic vision with its policies.

In this landscape, the creation of the second Principal Secretary role and Das's ascension to it is a strategic maneuver aimed at enriching the PMO with expert financial insight, preparing India to effectively manage its economic policies amid evolving global and domestic challenges.