Newsmaker | Amitabh Kant: The Sherpa Who Guided G20 Presidency in Right Direction for India

Amitabh Kant was a pivotal force during India’s G20 presidency this year — from discourse to propelling its position on global stage.

As India’s G20 Sherpa, Kant played a crucial role in steering discussions that stressed on leveraging emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence, agri-tech, and robotics for inclusive growth. His efforts led to the unanimous adoption of the New Delhi Leaders’ Declaration, showing India’s commitment to global collaboration in harnessing transformative technologies.

Several government officials praised Kant’s role in promoting Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) and digital transformation during the G20, and advancing initiatives and efforts to make India’s presidency a major success.

Kant was the newsmaker for 2023 as a proponent of transformative change.

AS NITI AAYOG CEO

A governance reformer and the former CEO of NITI Aayog, Kant is known as the harbinger of digital transformation. His tenure witnessed groundbreaking policies that reshaped India’s socio-economic landscape. His leadership spearheaded initiatives such as Startup India, Make in India and the Aspirational Districts Program, repositioning India and certain districts as transformative hubs recognized globally.

Under Kant’s guidance, NITI Aayog became the cradle of innovative policies, driving initiatives such as the National Mission on Transformative Mobility and Battery Storage. This mission facilitated the widespread adoption of clean mobility solutions, supporting states in embracing electric vehicles and pioneering India’s transition towards sustainable transportation.

THE AUTHOR

Beyond his tenure at NITI Aayog, his contribution in driving the Ease of Doing Business initiative saw India rise in the World Bank’s rankings, paving the way for a more conducive business environment.

Kant recently published ‘Made in India: 75 Years of Business and Enterprise’ — a comprehensive narrative, chronicling India’s economic journey post-independence, tracing the evolution of business and enterprise. Kant’s meticulous research and insightful storytelling bring to light “the transformation of India’s economic landscape from a restrictive regulatory regime to a vibrant startup ecosystem".

Endorsed by eminent personalities namely Natarajan Chandrasekaran, Anand Mahindra, Nandan Nilekani and Sanjeev Bikhchandani, the book has received accolades for its engaging narrative that interweaves policy, technology, and innovation. Its depiction of formative business leaders and prominent firms not only captures the historical fabric of Indian business, but also analyses their impact on society and the economy.

‘Made in India’ also shows Kant’s vision for technology and innovation. The book focusses on policy, technology and entrepreneurship, showcasing how India’s business landscape evolved through policy reforms and the fostering of a conducive environment for startups and enterprises.

Kant’s vision for technology extends to embracing artificial intelligence (AI) for India’s growth. During the recently held GPAI Summit in New Delhi, he highlighted India’s significant progress in digital transformation, showcasing initiatives such as Aadhaar, BHIM, and the digital India program, while stating that new goal should be to design a merger of AI with DPI to encourage collaboration and integration.