New Delhi, June 20, 2025 – To accelerate India’s defence modernization and strengthen indigenous capabilities, senior IAS officer Apurva Chandra has been appointed Principal Advisor (Defence Acquisition) in the Ministry of Defence (MoD).
A 1988-batch IAS officer, Chandra brings over thirty years of administrative expertise in health, labor, infrastructure, and media. His appointment is poised to enhance transparency and efficiency in India’s complex defence procurement process.
Key Highlights:
- Former Health Secretary & I&B Secretary: Known for reform-focused leadership.
- Educational Background: An alumnus of IIT Delhi.
- Strategic Role: Will advise MoD on high-value military procurements, streamline the Defence Acquisition Procedure (DAP), and bolster the “Atmanirbhar Bharat” vision in defence.
- Focus Areas: Strategic guidance on capital acquisitions, promoting Make in India and iDEX startups, and fast-tracking indigenous projects.
This crucial appointment comes as India aims to become a global defence manufacturing hub, with substantial capital expenditure allocated annually. Industry experts laud the move, anticipating greater policy clarity and reduced acquisition delays under Chandra’s leadership, reinforcing efforts in defence exports and domestic R&D.
