New Delhi: Seasoned bureaucrat Giridhar Aramane on Tuesday assumed charge as the new defence secretary at a time the government has been focusing on modernising the three services. Aramane, a 1988-batch Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officer, was serving as secretary of the ministry of road transport and highways prior to his new assignment. Before taking charge, Aramane laid a wreath at the National War Memorial and paid homage to the fallen heroes.
"We draw inspiration from these bravehearts and promise to work towards fulfilling their dream of making India a safe and prosperous country," he said. Aramane succeeded Ajay Kumar, who retired from service on Monday. In his 32-year career as an IAS officer, Aramane has held various important positions in the central government as well as the Andhra Pradesh government.