Shaktikanta Das, a prominent figure in India's financial sector, has been appointed as the second Principal Secretary to Prime Minister Narendra Modi. This key appointment was sanctioned by the Appointments Committee of the Cabinet. Das's tenure as Principal Secretary-2 will be aligned with that of Prime Minister Modi, ensuring that he serves in this crucial capacity until the end of the Prime Minister's term or until further orders are issued.

Das is no stranger to significant roles in India’s economic landscape. He recently concluded a six-year tenure as the Governor of the Reserve Bank of India (RBI), ending in December 2024. During his time at the RBI, Das earned high acclaim, being twice recognized as the top central banker globally by Global Finance magazine. His tenure, while impressive, was slightly shorter than the seven-and-a-half-year record set by Benegal Rama Rau.

His reputation in economic governance is further bolstered by his role in the implementation of crucial policies like demonetisation and the rollout of the Goods and Services Tax (GST). These initiatives were cornerstones of India’s recent financial reforms and showcased his ability to manage complex economic challenges. Furthermore, as the Economic Affairs Secretary, he was instrumental in pushing forward various financial reforms and represented India on significant international platforms, including the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the G-20 summits.

Das's extensive background stems from his time as a 1980-batch Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officer. His experience spans over four decades, marked by diverse roles in finance, taxation, and infrastructure development. Apart from his stint in RBI, he also contributed as India’s G20 Sherpa and was an integral part of the 15th Finance Commission. These roles have equipped him with a thorough understanding of both national and international economic arenas.

Colleagues describe his working style as calm and collaborative. Das is known for fostering a team-oriented environment, focusing on achieving collective goals rather than individual acclaim. This approach was particularly evident during his handling of the IL&FS liquidity crisis, where his strategy emphasized collective problem-solving over individual heroics.

Interestingly, before his foray into the world of central banking, Das was identified as the first non-economist to head the RBI in almost three decades. His success in navigating the complex economic challenges of his time only underscores his adaptability and deep understanding of fiscal policies.

As Das embarks on his new role as the Principal Secretary-2 to PM Modi, his vast experience and collaborative spirit promise to be valuable assets in supporting India’s governance and economic strategies. His appointment signals a continued emphasis on stability and reform in India’s financial policies under the current administration.