Rajesh Kumar Singh, an IAS officer from the 1989 Kerala cadre, became the Defence Secretary on November 1, 2024. He replaced Giridhar Aramane, a 1988 Andhra Pradesh cadre IAS officer, who retired the day before. Before starting his new role, Mr. Singh paid respects at the National War Memorial in New Delhi.
Previously, he was the Secretary of the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade in the Ministry of Commerce and Industry. He has held various key roles in the Union Government and also served as Secretary for Urban Development and Finance in Kerala.
