Shaktikanta Das named India’s G20 Sherpa

NEW DELHI: The Ministry of Finance on Monday appointed former economic affairs secretary Shaktikanta Das as India’s G20 Sherpa till December 31, 2018 for the Development Track of the grouping.

There are two tracks in G-20 — Finance Track and Development Track. Finance Track is managed by the secretary (economic affairs) as India’s Deputy to G-20 and the Development Track is coordinated by the Sherpa.

The Department of Economic Affairs will provide necessary support to the Sherpa, the ministry said in a statement.

Sherpa is a personal representative of the leaders participating at the G-20 and are responsible for thrashing out the details before the meeting of the leaders.

Former Niti Aayog vice-chairman had recommended to Prime Minister Narendra Modi to appoint a full-time Sherpa.