Former DEA secretary Shaktikanta Das confirmed as G-20 sherpa

Former economic affairs secretary Shaktikanta Das ( pictured) was on Monday appointed India’s sherpa till December 31, 2018, for the G20’s Development Track.

There are two tracks in G20 — the Finance Track and the Development Track. Ministry of Finance on Monday tweeted: “Finance Track is managed by the Secretary (Economic Affairs), Ministry of Finance, 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.”

Das had retired, after a 37- year-long career, in March this year. His predecessor on the job, former NITI Aayog vice-chairman Arvind Panagariya had suggested to the government that the position be made a permanent one and a senior official be appointed as the permanent representative to the G20, similar to the arrangement at the United Nations.

The last G20 summit, held in Hamburg in July this year, had discussed sustainable development and volatility in global currency markets at length. The event had also seen other nations acknowledge steps taken by India for sustainable and inclusive growth as well as support to the global economy. The G20 had noted the initiatives in the country for promoting ease of doing business, start-up funding, and labour reforms.

Panagariya was appointed India’s sherpa for the G20 talks in September 2015, replacing then railway minister Suresh Prabhu. Sherpas, who are representatives of leaders of G20 member countries, coordinate on the agenda of the summit.