Tarun Bajaj appointed chair of US-India tax forum

Former Indian Revenue Secretary to spearhead forum for discussing key advocacy areas across tax regimes in India

The US-India Strategic Partnership Forum (USISPF) has announced the appointment of Tarun Bajaj, former Revenue Secretary and former Secretary of Economic Affairs to the Government of India, as the head of US-India Tax Forum.

Officially launched on Feb 25, 2020, US-India Tax Forum is USISPF’s dedicated Tax Policy Forum which enables focused discussion on important advocacy areas across tax regimes in India.

It has around 350 member companies and is the leading tax platform bringing Government of India policymakers, global tax experts, and the business community at large to advocate for better tax policy.

Bajaj, a 1988 batch, Haryana Cadre Indian Administrative Service officer, joined USISPF as an Advisor to the Board of Directors in January 2024.

He served as Revenue Secretary, Government of India before he superannuated in November 2022. Bajaj brings with him a wealth of experience and expertise in economic affairs and taxation matters, according to a USISPF press release.

READ: Salil Parekh and Arvind Krishna join USISPF Board (February 23, 2024)

During his tenure with the Government of India, he played a pivotal role in shaping fiscal policies and promoting economic growth. Bajaj managed both the direct and indirect tax revenues for the Government and was instrumental in stabilizing the Goods and Services Tax (GST).

Bajaj also played a critical role in formulating the Government of India’s economic response to the pandemic, including the rollout of various relief measures and economic stimulus packages.

Bajaj’s financial perspicacity was key in the formulation of Central Government budgets for the years 2021-22 and 2022-23, according to the release.

Speaking on Bajaj’s appointment, USISPF President and CEO, Dr. Mukesh Aghi said, “I am thrilled to welcome Tarun to lead our US-India Tax Forum. With his extensive experience and profound expertise in finance and taxation, Tarun stands as an ideal candidate to steer our efforts forward.

“His adept leadership in shaping fiscal and tax policies and navigating intricate economic terrains will fortify our mission of nurturing strong economic bonds between the United States and India. I am confident that under his guidance, we will continue to advance an environment conducive to bilateral trade and investment.”

Bajaj said, “I am honored to lead the US-India Tax Forum under the auspices of USISPF. It’s a pleasure to have joined USISPF as Advisor to the Board this year, and in my new role, I look forward to making my contribution to make the US-India Tax Forum a robust and effective institution that companies can rely on and an institution that can engage effectively with all the stakeholders.”