This paper presents the experimental study, development of mathematical model and parametric optimization for surface roughness in turning D2 steel using TiN coated carbide insert using Taguchi parameter design and response surface methodology. The experimental plan and analysis was based on the Taguchi L27 orthogonal array taking cutting speed (v), feed (f) and depth of cut (d) as important cutting parameters. The influence of the machining parameters on the surface finish has also been investigated and the optimum cutting condition for minimizing the surface roughness is evaluated. The optimal parametric combination for TiN coated cutting insert is found to be v3-f1-d3. The ANOVA result shows that feed the most significant process parameter on surface roughness followed by depth of cut. The cutting speed is found to be insignificant from the study. The RSM model shows good accuracy between predicted values and experimental values with 95% confidence intervals and adequate. It is concluded that the developed RSM model can be effectively utilized to predict the surface roughness in turning D2 steel.