The Government of India has made significant leadership appointments in key Public Sector Undertakings (PSUs) and the administrative sector, reinforcing its commitment to strengthening expertise in critical industries. The Appointments Committee of the Cabinet (ACC) has approved the appointments of senior professionals to pivotal roles in Oil & Natural Gas Corporation Limited (ONGC), Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited (MDSL), and National Fertilizers Limited (NFL). Additionally, a senior diplomat has been designated as Joint Secretary in the Department of Commerce.
Vikram Saxena Appointed Director (Technology & Field Services), ONGC
Vikram Saxena, currently serving as Group General Manager at ONGC, has been appointed as Director (Technology & Field Services) at the organization. His tenure in this role will extend until his retirement on July 31, 2027, or until further orders. His selection follows the recommendation of the Public Enterprises Selection Board (PESB) on December 2, 2024, after an intensive selection process involving multiple candidates. Saxena’s expertise is expected to drive technological advancements and improve operational efficiencies in the country’s largest oil and gas exploration firm.
Ruchir Agrawal to Lead Financial Operations at MDSL
Ruchir Agrawal, currently holding the position of Executive Director at Indian Oil Corporation Limited (IOCL), has been appointed as the Director (Finance) at Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited (MDSL). His appointment will be effective for five years or until further instructions from the government. Agrawal’s extensive financial acumen is anticipated to enhance MDSL’s fiscal strategies, bolstering its operations in India’s defense and commercial shipbuilding industry.
Mahesh Chander Gupta Appointed Director (Technical), NFL
Mahesh Chander Gupta, presently the Chief General Manager (Business Development) at National Fertilizers Limited (NFL), has been elevated to the role of Director (Technical). His appointment, based on PESB’s recommendation from September 5, 2024, will remain valid until his retirement on September 30, 2027, or until further orders. Gupta’s leadership in technical advancements and innovation is expected to drive the NFL’s production capabilities and efficiency in the fertilizer sector, aligning with the government’s vision of self-reliance in agricultural inputs.
IFS Mohit Yadav Named Joint Secretary, Department of Commerce
In a parallel administrative appointment, Indian Foreign Service (IFS) officer Mohit Yadav from the 2002 batch has been designated as Joint Secretary in the Department of Commerce. According to an official notification from the Department of Personnel & Training (DoPT) issued on March 7, 2025, Yadav’s tenure will span three years, concluding on October 28, 2027, unless further orders are issued.
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Yadav, a seasoned diplomat with extensive experience in India’s foreign relations and trade negotiations, assumes this critical role at a time when the Department of Commerce is focusing on strengthening international trade agreements, export promotion strategies, and economic diplomacy. His expertise is expected to contribute significantly to advancing India’s global trade interests and policy frameworks.