The Appointments Committee of the Cabinet (ACC) has approved a one-year extension for Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh, allowing him to continue in the position until October 31, 2027, or until further orders, whichever is earlier.
The decision was taken shortly before Singh was due to complete his two-year fixed tenure on October 31, 2026. His continuation comes at a time when the Defence Ministry is pursuing major initiatives in military restructuring, domestic defence production and strategic planning.
Extension of Tenure as Defence Secretary
Singh is a 1989-batch Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officer of the Kerala cadre. He assumed charge as India’s 40th Defence Secretary on November 1, 2024, succeeding Giridhar Aramane, who retired on October 31, 2024.
His original appointment included an extension of service beyond his normal superannuation date to enable him to take up the position. The latest decision allows him to continue leading the ministry for another year.
Additional Responsibility at DRDO
Since May 31, 2026, Singh has also been holding additional charge as Secretary of the Department of Defence Research and Development and Chairman of the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO).
The additional responsibility connects his role with India’s defence research and development efforts, alongside his regular duties at the Defence Ministry.
Experience Across Key Government Departments
Before becoming Defence Secretary, Singh headed the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry from April 2023 to August 2024.
His previous assignments in the Union government also include Secretary of the Department of Animal Husbandry and Dairying and Director of Works and Urban Transport in the Ministry of Urban Development.
At the state level, he served as Urban Development Secretary and Finance Secretary in the Kerala government, gaining experience in urban administration, financial management and public policy.
Defence Reforms and Strategic Priorities
Singh’s extension comes as the Defence Ministry works on several key priorities, including the proposed establishment of integrated theatre commands, greater self-reliance in defence manufacturing and the implementation of important defence doctrines.
The continuation of the senior bureaucrat’s tenure provides administrative continuity as the ministry advances these initiatives.
Previous Defence Secretaries and Tenure Extensions
Defence Secretaries have had different tenure arrangements in the past. Former Defence Secretaries R. K. Mathur and G. Mohan Kumar continued beyond their normal retirement age to complete fixed two-year terms, while Sanjay Mitra received a three-month extension in 2019.
Other former Defence Secretaries, including Ajay Kumar and Giridhar Aramane, left office upon superannuation.
Singh’s latest extension will keep him at the helm of the Defence Ministry until October 2027, unless further orders alter the arrangement.