IAS Rajesh Kumar Singh: India's New Defence Secretary

Appointment and Background

• Rajesh Kumar Singh, a 1989-batch IAS officer from Kerala, takes charge as the new Defence Secretary
• He previously served as the Officer on Special Duty (Defence Secretary-designate) since August 20, 2024
• Singh succeeded Shri Giridhar Aramane, a 1988-batch IAS officer from Andhra Pradesh, who retired on October 31, 2024

Career Highlights and Experience

• Prior to this appointment, Singh served as the Secretary of the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade in the Ministry of Commerce and Industry from April 2023 to August 2024
• He has held several other significant positions within the Union government, including:
  • Secretary of the Department of Animal Husbandry & Dairying
  • Director of Works and Urban Transport in the Ministry of Urban Development
  • Commissioner (Lands) at the Delhi Development Authority
  • Joint Secretary in the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas, and Department of Agriculture, Cooperation & Farmers Welfare
  • Chief Vigilance Officer at the Food Corporation of India
• At the state level, Singh has served as the Secretary of Urban Development and Finance Secretary for the Government of Kerala

Tribute to Armed Forces and Vision

• On his first day in office, Singh paid tribute to India's fallen soldiers by laying a wreath at the National War Memorial in New Delhi
• He expressed the nation's gratitude for the "extraordinary bravery and sacrifice" of the armed forces, describing them as a "source of strength and inspiration" to make India a "safe and prosperous nation"
• As the new Defence Secretary, Singh is expected to provide strategic leadership and contribute to India's military preparedness and defense capabilities