"Arvind Subramanian has been on the short list of candidates for CEA for many years and I am happy he will begin his tenure under a new Government.
"He brings to the job rich and varied experience and acclaimed work as a distinguished academic. He is pro-growth and pro-reform and unafraid to speak his mind. An excellent choice," he said in a statement.
Former IMF economist Subramanian today took charge as the Chief Economic Advisor to the Finance Ministry.
After taking charge, Subramanian told reporters: "It's an absolute honour and privilege to come at this time, a time of great hope and dynamism for the economy, to serve in the government that has manadate for a reform and change...I think good things are ahead for the Indian economy".
A graduate from St Stephens College, Subramanian has been advising the Indian government in different capacities and has been a member of the Finance Minister's Expert Group on the G-20.