Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh gets one-year extension till October 2027

Rajesh Kumar Singh, a 1989-batch IAS officer of the Keralam cadre, took over as Defence Secretary on November 1, 2024.

In Short

• Extension supports ongoing reforms in India's defence sector
• Singh took charge as Defence Secretary on November 1, 2024
• Singh is 1989-batch IAS officer from Keralam cadre

The Appointments Committee of the Cabinet has approved a one-year extension for Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh, whose tenure was due to end on October 31, 2026.

He will now serve until October 31, 2027, or until further orders, whichever is earlier.

The extension comes as the Defence Ministry pursues reforms, including the creation of theatre commands, greater self-reliance in defence manufacturing and the rollout of key doctrines.

Singh, a 1989-batch IAS officer of the Keralam cadre, took over as Defence Secretary on November 1, 2024, succeeding Giridhar Aramane, who retired on October 31.

Before taking charge, Singh had served as Officer on Special Duty and Defence Secretary-designate since August 20, 2024.

Singh previously headed the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade in the Ministry of Commerce and Industry from April 2023 to August 2024.

His earlier Union government roles include Secretary of the Department of Animal Husbandry and Dairying and Director of Works and Urban Transport in the Ministry of Urban Development.

He has also served as Urban Development Secretary and Finance Secretary in the Keralam government.

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