He is the Strategic Advisor to IDSPL in providing guidance to the team on strategic partnerships, economics and value creation, and in creating robust financial assessments for policies on built environment in India and abroad.

He also helped establish and lead Smart City Mission (SCM) at the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII). Another key area of responsibility with him in CII was the new Land Acquisition Act in India that has replaced the archaic Act of 1894. He is credited with coming up with numerous policy papers on these areas which have been submitted to the Indian Government on frequent intervals.

Dr. Deswal was awarded his PhD from the Faculty of Management Studies (FMS), University of Delhi in the area of Economics, with his research topic being, “Impact of FDI on Structure & Productivity of Indian Automobile Industry”, publications from which were well appreciated in academia & industry. He also holds Masters in International Business (MIB) from Delhi School of Economics.

Prior to joining CII, he was in academics & was last serving as Assistant Professor in University of Petroleum & Energy Studies in Dehradun where he taught & published on various themes of International Business & Economics. An avid blogger and traveler, he regularly opines on various contemporary themes affecting Indian cities.