Daleep Singh, an Indian American Economist renowned for his role in crafting the Biden administration’s economic sanctions against Russia, is poised to return to the White House, as reported by the media. Formerly serving in the Treasury Department during the Obama administration, Singh is set to reclaim his position as deputy national security adviser for international economics, succeeding Mike Pyle, who departs at month’s end, according to Axios.
Singh’s reappointment to the role of deputy national security adviser for international economics is viewed as a continuation of his previous efforts, particularly in exploring innovative strategies to address the ongoing crisis in Ukraine while exerting pressure on Russia, as highlighted by the news outlet.
This position holds significant sway within the White House, reporting to both the NSC and the National Economic Council. Singh’s responsibilities include coordinating the US stance at critical international summits such as the G7 and G20, with upcoming meetings scheduled in Italy and Brazil later this year, respectively.
Facing hurdles in Congress with a stalled $95 billion foreign aid package for Ukraine, Biden administration officials are contemplating alternative avenues to provide assistance to Ukraine without Congressional approval, Axios noted. Among the proposals gaining traction is leveraging Russia’s frozen sovereign assets, predominantly held in Europe, as collateral for loans to Ukraine.
While Belgium recently broached this idea with G7 nations, Singh had previously articulated a similar concept in December 2022, as documented in Barron’s. Notably, Singh, the great grand-nephew of Daleep Singh Saund, the first Asian-American elected to the US Congress, has been serving as the chief economist for PGIM Fixed Income.
Singh’s illustrious career includes his appointment as Biden’s Deputy National Security Advisor in February 2021, preceded by roles in the Obama administration at the Treasury Department. His contributions at the New York Federal Reserve during the Covid-19 pandemic underscore his leadership in navigating economic crises.
Prior to his government service, Singh held positions at Goldman Sachs and Element Capital Management, specializing in US interest rates, currency markets, and macroeconomics. He has also contributed to various think tanks and educational institutions, reflecting his expertise in geoeconomics.
Hailing from Olney, Maryland, and raised in Raleigh, North Carolina, Singh holds a bachelor’s degree in economics and public policy from Duke University, and dual master’s degrees in business administration and public administration from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and Harvard University, focusing on international economics.
