UK trade deal, geopolitical risks: Tasks cut out for commerce secretary

After the UK deal, the next in line will be a deal with Canada that both nations aim to finalise by December

Sunil Barthwal, who was appointed commerce secretary late Thursday evening, took charge on Friday as officer on special duty (OSD) in the department.

Barthwal, who has been serving as labour secretary, would succeed BVR Subrahmanyam after the incumbent retires on September 30.

A 1989 batch civil servant from the Bihar carde, Barthwal’s new role is expected to be fraught with challenges as geopolitical risks are weighing on India’s exports, reversing the post-Covid gains over the last one year.

He will be leading a team of bureaucrats, taking critical decisions in line with India’s revamped foreign trade strategy. He would have