New Delhi: Newly appointed Vice Chairman of NITI Aayog Ashok Kumar Lahiri met Prime Minister Narendra Modi in New Delhi on Saturday, shortly after assuming office, in a meeting focused on strengthening India's long-term economic reform and development agenda.
The meeting followed Lahiri's recent appointment to the key policy advisory body, where he is expected to play a central role in shaping economic strategy and policy direction. Modi, who chairs NITI Aayog, welcomed Lahiri and expressed confidence in his contribution to advancing the government's reform priorities, according to a post shared on X.
Speaking after meeting the Prime Minister, Lahiri said Modi's vision of transforming India into a developed nation by 2047 would depend on effective policymaking and sustained institutional efforts. "It is PM Modi's dream to make the nation a 'Viksit Bharat' by 2047...To fulfil this vision, we need to ensure that proper policies are framed," Lahiri said.
He also acknowledged his academic and early educational background, crediting earlier education policies in West Bengal for shaping his career. "I give credit to the earlier education policies of West Bengal, which played a big role in my appointment as the Vice Chairman of NITI Aayog...This is a big respect to the state of West Bengal," he added.
Lahiri, a veteran economist with over four decades of experience, has previously served as Chief Economic Adviser to the Government of India and was a member of the 15th Finance Commission. His career has also included stints at global institutions such as the Asian Development Bank, the World Bank, and the International Monetary Fund.
Currently a BJP legislator from West Bengal, Lahiri is not contesting the ongoing state assembly elections. His appointment is being seen as part of the government's effort to bring experienced economists into key policy roles as it pushes its long-term development agenda.
Alongside Lahiri, scientist Gobardhan Das has also been appointed as a member of NITI Aayog. Das said he was grateful to the Prime Minister for the opportunity and emphasised his focus on improving rural development and the quality of life for farmers and marginalised communities.
He wrote, "I firmly believe that for the complete development of the country, it is very important to improve the quality of life in remote areas, the farmer community, and ordinary people. For this purpose, I promise to work with honesty, dedication, and full responsibility under the guidance of the honorable Prime Minister Ji."
The latest appointments come as the government continues to sharpen its economic policy framework, with NITI Aayog expected to play a crucial role in translating the "Viksit Bharat" vision into actionable reforms and programmes over the coming years.