from 2010 to 2012 sharma was the head of the international division in the department of the prime minister and cabinet. he advised the prime minister julia gillard during g-20 summits (including as the prime minister's sous-sherpa) and east asia summits and was involved in international diplomatic events which occurred in australia including the commonwealth heads of government meeting in october 2011 and during us president barack obama's visit to australia in november 2011.