As the Chair of Asia Group’s New Delhi based subsidiary and as a Partner in the company, Mr. Ashok Malik directs the company’s strategic initiatives and services in the Indian market. With over 30 years of diverse experience in government, media, and thought leadership, Mr. Malik is known for his knowledge of India’s policy landscape and complex interplay between business and politics.

Mr. Malik provides invaluable advice to clients seeking to enter and expand in the Indian market. He specializes in tailored strategies for market entry, enterprise-level risk management, and crisis mitigation. His profound knowledge and expertise include India’s foreign and trade policies and the government’s approach to international business, resilient supply chains, and national capacities.

Before joining The Asia Group, Shri Ashok Malik served as Policy Advisor/Additional Secretary in India’s Ministry of External Affairs from 2019 to 2022. During this crucial and eventful period, he worked closely with External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar and other senior leaders of the Ministry to shape and communicate India’s foreign policy effectively.

Previously, Mr. Malik served as the speechwriter and spokesperson for the 14th President of India, President Ram Nath Kovind, between 2017 and 2019. This role allowed him to contribute significantly to India’s national narrative and global engagement.

Prior to his government service, Shri Ashok Malik held the distinguished position of a Fellow at the Observer Research Foundation (ORF), a prominent public policy think-tank in India. As part of ORF, he led the Neighborhood Regional Studies Initiative and the Australia India Institute-ORF Chair for Indo-Pacific Studies, delving into the bilateral relationship between India and Australia and examining the evolving economic and institutional architecture of the Indo-Pacific region.

In addition to his policy contributions, Mr. Malik is a highly acclaimed columnist and commentator. He began his illustrious career in the news media, serving in senior editorial roles at esteemed publications such as Times of India, India Today, and Indian Express. His thought-provoking columns earned him wide recognition as one of India’s best-read and respected voices.

In 2012, Mr. Malik authored the book “India: Spirit of Enterprise,” published by Roli Books. This work encapsulates the journey of India’s leading private sector businesses and their role in a globalizing economy since the inception of the government’s liberalization program in 1991.

As a recipient of the esteemed Padma Shri, one of India’s highest civilian honors, Mr. Ashok Malik’s journey as a seasoned expert in business, policy, and strategic thinking continues to inspire and shape India’s path towards sustainable growth and global engagement.