Modi government overhauls NITI Aayog: New leadership team announced

Modi government overhauls 

In a major administrative reshuffle, the Union government led by Narendra Modi has reconstituted India’s apex policy think tank, signalling a significant reset in its leadership and strategic direction. The overhaul, announced on April 25, 2026, is being described as one of the most extensive changes since the institution replaced the Planning Commission in 2015.  

Key appointment: New Vice Chairman

At the top of the new structure is:

• Ashok Kumar Lahiri – Appointed as the Vice Chairman

A former Chief Economic Adviser, Lahiri replaces outgoing Vice Chairman Suman Bery and is expected to play a central role in shaping economic and policy reforms going forward.  

Who are the new full-time members?

The government has inducted a fresh team of experts and senior administrators as full-time members:

• Rajiv Gauba
• K. V. Raju
• Gobardhan Das
• Abhay Karandikar
• M. Srinivas

These appointments bring together expertise from governance, economics, science, and healthcare—indicating a multidisciplinary approach to policymaking.  

What remains unchanged?

• The Prime Minister continues as the Chairperson of NITI Aayog.
• Existing ex-officio members (Union ministers) and special invitees largely remain unchanged.  

Significance of the overhaul

This restructuring is widely seen as a strategic move to:

• Revitalize policy innovation across sectors
• Strengthen evidence-based governance
• Accelerate reforms linked to economic growth and “Ease of Living”
• Bring domain experts into core decision-making roles

The Prime Minister emphasized that NITI Aayog has become a “vital pillar” in India’s policymaking ecosystem and will continue to drive long-term strategic thinking and cooperative federalism.  

A shift in direction

The inclusion of technocrats, scientists, and senior bureaucrats suggests a stronger push toward:

• Technology-driven development
• Healthcare and research-led policymaking
• Data-backed economic planning

Analysts view this as an attempt to align the think tank more closely with India’s evolving priorities in innovation, infrastructure, and global competitiveness.

Conclusion

The Modi government’s overhaul of NITI Aayog marks a clear transition toward a more expert-driven and reform-oriented policy framework. With a new vice chairman and a diverse team of full-time members, the institution is poised to play an even more influential role in shaping India’s development trajectory in the coming years.

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