Service: Indian Administrative Service (IAS), 1993 batch, Maharashtra cadre
Current Position: Secretary, Department of Defence Production, Ministry of Defence (since August 2024)
🎓 Background & Early Career
Shri Sanjeev Kumar is a 1993-batch IAS officer of the Maharashtra cadre. With a background in engineering and governance, he has served in various capacities across infrastructure, transport, and industrial sectors. He previously served as Chairman of the Airports Authority of India, where he contributed to the modernization and expansion of the country’s airport infrastructure.
🏛️ Administrative Career
Over his three-decade-long service, Shri Kumar has held key administrative roles, both at the state and central levels. His experience includes leadership roles in economic policy, public infrastructure, and strategic industries.
In August 2024, he was appointed as Secretary, Department of Defence Production, under the Ministry of Defence. This role placed him at the forefront of India’s efforts toward self-reliance in defence manufacturing.
⚙️ Contributions as Defence Production Secretary
Since assuming charge, Shri Sanjeev Kumar has played a pivotal role in accelerating India’s defence manufacturing capabilities and export growth. His key initiatives and contributions include:
- Boosting Defence Exports: Under his leadership, India’s defence exports grew to approximately ₹24,000 crore in 2023–24, reflecting a dramatic rise from ₹2,000 crore a decade earlier.
- Promoting Startups and MSMEs: Over 600 startups have been engaged in defence projects through initiatives like iDEX (Innovations for Defence Excellence), fostering innovation and indigenous solutions.
- International Partnerships: He has actively engaged with international stakeholders, including strengthening cooperation with Saudi Arabian Military Industries during Aero India 2025.
- Production Ecosystem Visits: He has conducted visits to key defence production units such as Bharat Dynamics Limited (BDL) and Mishra Dhatu Nigam Limited (MIDHANI), emphasizing modernization and quality assurance.
- Policy Advocacy: He has consistently advocated an “India First” approach to defence procurement and industry development, while promoting global competitiveness in production standards and practices.
đź“ť Summary
Shri Sanjeev Kumar stands as a strategic leader in India’s defence production landscape. Through visionary reforms, industry engagement, and export-led initiatives, he is significantly contributing to India’s aim of becoming a global defence manufacturing hub.