Rakesh served thirty years with the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade.  His diplomatic postings included six years as Australia's Deputy High Commissioner to India. Subsequently, he was the Head of Business Development in India for Anglo Coal Australia Pty. Ltd., a subsidiary of Anglo American Plc. Group.   

Rakesh now heads Axessindia Consultancy Group.   It facilitates Australia-India trade and M&A activity in resources, with primary focus on the energy sector, particularly coal, uranium and gas.  The Group also advises  on strategies for entering the Indian market against the background of a fast changing economic, political and social landscape in the country.