In a significant development for India’s economic policy landscape, senior IAS officer Rajesh Agrawal officially assumed his new role as the Secretary of the Department of Commerce on Wednesday, October 1, 2025. He takes over from Sunil Barthwal, who retired on September 30.
Mr. Agrawal brings an impressive three decades of administrative experience to this crucial position, having demonstrated expertise in diverse sectors including skilling, power, fertilizer, agriculture, and Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs). His extensive background makes him a formidable choice to steer India’s trade agenda.
Before stepping into his current assignment, Mr. Agrawal was instrumental in overseeing India’s complex trade negotiations. He served as the chief negotiator for several high-profile agreements, including the India-U.S. Bilateral Trade Agreement, discussions at the Indo-Pacific Economic Forum, the India-Australia Comprehensive Economic Cooperation Agreement (CECA), and the review of the ASEAN Free Trade Area (FTA).
Beyond his negotiation prowess, he also held key responsibilities for promoting exports across India’s vital agriculture and allied sectors. His appointment signals a continued focus on strengthening India’s international trade relations and boosting domestic industries through strategic policy and implementation.