IndiGo, India’s largest low-cost airline, has announced the appointment of Amitabh Kant, former CEO of NITI Aayog and India’s G20 Sherpa, as a Non-Executive Director on the Board of InterGlobe Aviation Limited, IndiGo’s parent company. This strategic move, pending regulatory and shareholder approvals, aims to leverage Kant’s vast experience in governance, policy reforms, and international affairs to support IndiGo’s ambitious growth plans, especially on the global stage.
Amitabh Kant: A Visionary Leader with Four Decades of Experience
Amitabh Kant is a distinguished Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officer from the Kerala cadre (1980 batch) with over 40 years of experience in public administration and policy-making. He has been a prominent architect behind several landmark national initiatives such as Make in India, Startup India, Incredible India, and God’s Own Country tourism campaign.
Most recently, Kant served as India’s Sherpa to Prime Minister Narendra Modi during the G20 Presidency, where he played a pivotal role in shaping the New Delhi Leaders’ Declaration—a document that emphasized global collaboration on climate finance, digital infrastructure, and economic reforms. His leadership in sustainability initiatives includes spearheading the Green Hydrogen Mission and the National Mission on Transformative Mobility and Battery Storage.
Driving India’s Aspirational Growth: From NITI Aayog to IndiGo
During his six-year tenure as CEO of NITI Aayog, Kant led the Aspirational Districts Programme (ADP), which transformed several backward districts into top performers, a feat recognized by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP). He also served on the boards of the National Highways Authority of India and the National Statistical Commission, showcasing his expertise in infrastructure and data-driven governance.
IndiGo’s decision to bring Kant on board reflects its intent to harness his strategic vision and administrative acumen to fuel its international expansion and operational excellence.
IndiGo’s Global Ambitions and Kant’s Role
In a statement, Amitabh Kant expressed enthusiasm about joining IndiGo’s board, highlighting the airline’s transformation of Indian air travel in less than two decades. He said:
“With its scale, efficiency, and international ambition, IndiGo will open up new markets for India and transform airports into global hubs of connectivity and commerce—driving tourism, trade, and investment while linking people, markets, and opportunities across borders.”
IndiGo’s Chairman, Vikram Singh Mehta, welcomed Kant’s appointment, emphasizing that his leadership and experience in managing large-scale projects will be invaluable as IndiGo accelerates its international footprint. Mehta stated:
“IndiGo’s team can leverage his broad-based experience and knowledge in achieving its vision of becoming a global player by 2030.”
What This Means for the Indian Aviation Sector
IndiGo currently holds over 60% of the domestic passenger market in India, and its global expansion strategy is a critical next step. With Amitabh Kant’s expertise in policy, infrastructure, and international diplomacy, IndiGo is well-positioned to navigate regulatory complexities, foster innovation, and enhance connectivity.
This appointment also signals a broader trend in Indian aviation where experienced policymakers and strategists are being integrated into corporate governance to drive sustainable growth and global competitiveness.
Looking Ahead: IndiGo’s Next Chapter
As India’s aviation industry recovers and grows post-pandemic, leadership with a vision for innovation and global outreach is crucial. Amitabh Kant’s addition to IndiGo’s board is expected to bolster the airline’s efforts in:
Expanding international routes and partnerships
Enhancing airport infrastructure and connectivity
Driving sustainable and technology-driven aviation solutions
Strengthening India’s position as a global aviation hub
With regulatory and shareholder approvals underway, the aviation sector and stakeholders eagerly await the positive impact of this collaboration.
IndiGo’s appointment of Amitabh Kant as Non-Executive Director marks a significant milestone in the airline’s journey to becoming a global aviation powerhouse, reflecting India’s evolving corporate governance landscape that blends administrative expertise with business acumen for transformative growth.