Dr Mayank Sharma has taken charge as the Controller General of Defence Accounts (CGDA) on March 1, 2025, bringing with him over three decades of distinguished service in the Indian Defence Accounts Service (IDAS). A 1989-batch officer, Dr Sharma’s vast experience spans across multiple key roles within the Government of India, particularly in defence financial management, international diplomacy, and strategic policymaking.
Throughout his career, Dr Sharma has served in various capacities within the Defence Accounts Department, overseeing critical financial and accounting functions for the Indian Armed Forces. His expertise in defence finance, procurement, and budgetary oversight has been instrumental in ensuring fiscal prudence and operational efficiency in military expenditure.
Beyond his contributions in the defence sector, Dr Sharma has held significant positions in the Cabinet Secretariat, contributing to high-level policy formulation and national security decision-making. His international experience is equally notable, having represented India as the Alternate Permanent Representative at the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), the UN Commission on Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice, and the United Nations Commission on International Trade Law.
In addition, Dr Sharma has played a crucial role in global anti-corruption initiatives, having represented India at the International Anti-Corruption Academy and the Diplomatic Academy of Vienna. His tenure as the Head of the Consular Division at the Indian Embassy in Vienna further underscores his diplomatic acumen, where he managed consular affairs and facilitated high-level Indian delegations at UNODC meetings.
As the new CGDA, Dr Sharma is expected to focus on strengthening financial oversight, streamlining defence procurement processes, and ensuring transparency in defence expenditure. His leadership comes at a critical time when India’s defence modernization efforts are accelerating, necessitating a robust financial management framework to support indigenous defence production and strategic acquisitions.
His appointment is a testament to his exceptional service and expertise, and his leadership is anticipated to bring further efficiency and innovation to the financial administration of India’s defence sector.
