Tarun Bajaj named head of US-India tax forum

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

Launched on Feb 25, 2020, the US-India Tax Forum is USISPF’s dedicated platform for discussing important tax policy issues in India. It has about 350 member companies and serves as a leading platform for bringing together policymakers, tax experts, and the business community to advocate for better tax policies.

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

Before retiring in November 2022, Bajaj served as Revenue Secretary, Government of India. He brings extensive experience and expertise in economic affairs and taxation matters, according to a USISPF press release.

During his tenure, Bajaj played a key role in shaping fiscal policies and promoting economic growth. He managed both direct and indirect tax revenues for the government and played a crucial role in stabilizing the Goods and Services Tax (GST).

Bajaj also contributed significantly to the government’s economic response to the pandemic, including rolling out various relief measures and economic stimulus packages.

His financial acumen was instrumental in formulating the Central Government budgets for the years 2021-22 and 2022-23, according to the release.

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

Bajaj himself expressed his honor at leading the US-India Tax Forum, saying, “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.