New Delhi Former NITI Aayog CEO Amitabh Kant is set to replace Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal as the new Sherpa of the G-20, said people aware of the development.
With the G20 presidency coming to India this year, Sherpa will have to devote a lot of time to the many meetings that are to be held in different parts of the country and Goyal will have other important duties such as being the leader of the Rajya Sabha.
“The workload in ministries such as commerce and industry, CAFPD and textiles will limit their participation at this critical time. Several initiatives such as the FTA negotiations with the UK and the EU under the minister’s leadership will require his 100% attention as these FTAs involve large markets,” said a person aware of the development.
After spending nearly six years as the CEO of NITI Aayog, Kant will take over as the full-time G20 Sherpa.
He completed his term last month.
Kant is an IAS officer of Kerala cadre, who has also served as Secretary, Department of Industrial Policy and Promotion (DIPP) in the government.