3. Montek Singh Ahluwalia (Deputy Chairman - Planning Commission of India):
Montek Singh Ahluwalia, the Deputy Chairman of Planning Commission of India, is very close to the Prime Minister and the PM takes his advice on crucial matters. According to media reports, Manmohan had shortlisted Montek Singh for Finance Minister's post after Pranab Mukherjee was elevated as the President. Montek lost out in the race because of his lack of political experience.
Montek is a highly educated economist and despite not belonging to the Indian Civil Service, he has held many crucial positions that are normally given to career bureaucrats. Some of the top line positions that he held includes: Secretary, Ministry of Finance; Secretary, Department of Economic Affairs; Secretary, Ministry of Commerce.
After completing his graduation from Oxford University, Montek joined joined the World Bank and became the youngest 'Division Chief' in the World Bank's bureaucracy at the age of 28.