Mr Anand Sharma is an Indian politician and former Union Cabinet Minister in charge of Commerce, Industry and Textiles in the Government of India. Since June 2014, Sharma has been the Deputy Leader of opposition in Rajya Sabha, the Council of States of the Indian Parliament.
As India’s Commerce and Industry Minister, he has taken major policy initiatives to accelerate manufacturing and attract foreign investments in India.
In his portfolio as Minister responsible for National Investment Policy, he piloted the opening of many sectors for foreign direct investment, including Defence and Civil Aviation.
Sharma was a prominent leader in the student and youth movement in India, and a founder member of the Congress Party’s student wing – National Students Union of India. He was also a former President of the Indian Youth Congress.
Mr Sharma has won numerous awards and has authored a number of publications.
This meeting will be held under the Chatham House Rule.