Rajesh Agrawal has assumed office as Secretary of the Department of Commerce under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry. The 1994-batch IAS officer from the Manipur cadre brings nearly 30 years of administrative expertise across multiple sectors, including skill development, power, agriculture, and small businesses. He earned a statistics degree and a master's in operations research from Delhi University along with an executive diploma in international business from the Indian Institute of Foreign Trade.
Agrawal joined the commerce department in December 2022 as an additional secretary and later became the chief negotiator for major trade agreements with the United States, Australia, and ASEAN nations. He previously represented India at the World Skills Governing Council for three years and implemented reforms in Manipur, Jharkhand and Bihar. His portfolio covered export promotion in the agricultural sectors and policy development for apprenticeship programs. The veteran administrator also served as chief electoral officer and held principal secretary positions in state government departments.
Agrawal joined the commerce department in December 2022 as an additional secretary and later became the chief negotiator for major trade agreements with the United States, Australia, and ASEAN nations. He previously represented India at the World Skills Governing Council for three years and implemented reforms in Manipur, Jharkhand and Bihar. His portfolio covered export promotion in the agricultural sectors and policy development for apprenticeship programs. The veteran administrator also served as chief electoral officer and held principal secretary positions in state government departments.
