His most significant assignment was as the Chief Economic Adviser to the Government of India (in the rank of Secretary) between 1993 and 2001. He was also on the board of SEBI and EXIM Bank of India during the period. He also served as a Member of the Economic Advisory Council to the Prime Minister (2001–2003) and the Twelfth Finance Commission (2004). His previous assignments with the Government of India include the roles of Senior Adviser (rank of Additional Secretary) and Economic Adviser with the Finance ministry from 1985 to 1990.