Former Niti Aayog CEO Amitabh Kant is India's new G20 Sherpa

Former Niti Aayog CEO Amitabh Kant has been appointed as the new G20 Sherpa as India takes over the G20 presidency later this year. He replaces Union minister Piyush Goyal.

Kant was Niti Aayog CEO for almost six years, completing his extended term last month.

G20 is a grouping of 19 major developed and emerging economies and the European Union. Its members account for more than 80% of global GDP, 75% of global trade, and 60% of the global population.


India will take over G20 presidency from Indonesia on December 2.

The sherpas are in charge of carrying out negotiations and building consensus among Leaders. They are also responsible for convening working groups, and special events throughout the year.

There was a need for a full-time Sherpa given that India was taking over the G20 presidency later this year, sources aware of the details said.

Goyal is currently minister of commerce and industry, consumer affairs, food and public distribution, and textiles. He is also the leader of the Rajya Sabha. His intensive workload would limit his involvement at this critical time, said the sources

India will host the G20 leaders in an annual summit sometime in November before its presidency ends on November 30, 2024.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has been leading India's representation at the G20 Summit since he took office in 2014.

Prior to that, the Kerala-cadre IAS officer was secretary of the Department of Industrial Policy & Promotion (DIPP).