Shaktikanta Das Appointed Principal Secretary-2 to PM Modi, Signaling Continuity in India’s Economic Leadership
The Indian government on Saturday appointed Shaktikanta Das, the former governor of the Reserve Bank of India (RBI), as Principal Secretary-2 to the Prime Minister
In a move that underscores Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s reliance on seasoned economic stewards, the Indian government on Saturday appointed Shaktikanta Das, the former governor of the Reserve Bank of India (RBI), as Principal Secretary-2 to the Prime Minister. The announcement, made via an official notification, positions Das, a trusted technocrat, as a key figure in PM Modi’s administration at a time when India navigates complex global economic headwinds and domestic growth ambitions.
Das, 67, brings a wealth of experience to the role. A 1980-batch Indian Administrative Service officer from Tamil Nadu, he served as RBI governor from December 2018 until December 2024, steering the central bank through the tumult of the Covid-19 pandemic and a period of stubborn inflation. His tenure was marked by a pragmatic approach to monetary policy and a close alignment with the Modi government’s economic agenda, including the rollout of the Goods and Services Tax and the 2016 demonetization initiative during his earlier stint as Economic Affairs Secretary.
The appointment, effective immediately, is “co-terminus with the term of the Prime Minister or until further orders, whichever is earlier,” according to the government’s statement. This places Das alongside Principal Secretary P.K. Mishra, enhancing the Prime Minister’s Office with dual administrative heavyweights. Analysts see the move as a signal of continuity, leveraging Das’s deep ties to Modi’s economic vision.
Das’s transition from the RBI to the PMO has sparked speculation about his influence on future policy. His reputation for deft fiscal-monetary coordination—praised during his farewell address in December 2024—suggests he could play a pivotal role in shaping India’s economic strategy ahead of the 2029 elections. Critics, however, question whether his appointment blurs lines between independent institutions and the executive, a debate that shadowed his RBI tenure.
For now, Das’s return to the corridors of power reaffirms Modi’s preference for loyalty and expertise in equal measure.
