New Delhi: Rajesh Kumar Singh, a 1989-batch IAS officer from the Kerala cadre, officially assumed his role as Defence Secretary at South Block in New Delhi on November 1, 2024. Previously serving as Officer on Special Duty (Defence Secretary-designate) since August 20, Singh took over from Giridhar Aramane, a 1988-batch IAS officer from the Andhra Pradesh cadre who retired on October 31.
In his first official act, Singh honored India’s fallen soldiers at the National War Memorial, where he laid a wreath and paid tribute. Reflecting on their sacrifices, Singh stated, “The nation will remain forever indebted to our brave soldiers who make the supreme sacrifice in the service of the motherland. Their extraordinary bravery and sacrifice is a source of strength and inspiration for us to make India a safe and prosperous nation.”
Before this appointment, Singh served as Secretary of the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry from April 2023 to August 2024. He also held the role of Secretary for the Department of Animal Husbandry & Dairying in the Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry & Dairying.
Throughout his career, Singh has held several high-profile positions, including roles in the Union Government as Director of Works and Urban Transport in the Ministry of Urban Development, Commissioner (Lands) at DDA, and Joint Secretary in both the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas and the Department of Agriculture, Cooperation & Farmers Welfare. Additionally, he has contributed significantly to the Kerala State Government, where he served as Finance Secretary and Secretary of Urban Development.