The Public Affairs Forum of India (PAFI), India’s leading platform for corporate public affairs practitioners, today announced its newly elected office bearers for the term 2026-27. Shivnath Thukral, Vice President of Public Policy and Government Affairs at PhonePe Limited, has assumed the role of President, taking over from outgoing President Chetan Krishnaswamy, Vice President, Public Policy, Amazon India.
Alongside Thukral, the newly elected leadership team comprises Major Ranjeet Goswami (Retd.), Global Head, Corporate Affairs, Tata Consultancy Services Ltd (TCS), as the new Vice President; Sandeep Aurora, Group Director & Head of Public Policy & Government Affairs, Microsoft India & South Asia, as the new Secretary; and Rakesh Dubey, Director – Global Government Affairs, Carlyle Group, as the new Treasurer.
PAFI’s members lead public policy initiatives for over 135 major Indian and global companies, making it a pivotal force in shaping India’s business environment. The Forum continues to focus on strengthening sectoral engagement, capacity building, and inclusion — advancing collaboration that fosters inclusive dialogue among key stakeholders across government, industry, and civil society.
Shivnath Thukral, newly elected President, PAFI, said, “I am honoured to take over as President of the Public Affairs Forum of India at a time when India’s role in the global economy is rapidly evolving. As we enter what we describe as ‘India 3.0’, there is a growing need for deeper collaboration between government, industry and society to navigate disruption, drive competitiveness, and support inclusive growth. With the continued support of our Members, Secretariat, and Leadership, I look forward to working together to make PAFI a stronger platform for impactful public affairs that shapes a better future for all.”
Chetan Krishnaswamy, outgoing President, PAFI, and Vice President, Public Policy, Amazon India, said, “It has been an honour to serve as President of PAFI over the past year. During this time, we have not only stayed on the course but also actively strengthened PAFI, steering it toward a brighter and stronger future. PAFI has several impactful platforms, including the PAFI Dialogues, Roundtables, Councils, Experiential Learning Series, the flagship Annual Forum, and Capacity Building initiatives. These efforts are helping shape the next generation of public affairs leaders, further reinforced by the launch of the new Leadership Conversations series. These achievements are a matter of immense pride, and I am confident that under its new leadership, PAFI will continue to build on these important initiatives. I look forward to supporting PAFI’s continued success and further strengthening its position as India’s leading and most respected voice for ethical and effective public affairs.”
Founded in 2008, the Public Affairs Forum of India is India’s premier organisation focused on public affairs, policy advocacy, and corporate affairs. PAFI represents a diverse array of Indian and foreign companies, promoting ethical dialogue and professional growth. Its objectives include aligning business, society, and government, fostering trust, and developing collaborative policies. With a strong commitment to transparency and inclusion, PAFI organises impactful events — including its flagship annual forum — that unite industry leaders and policymakers for meaningful discussions on contemporary challenges facing India.
