New Delhi: In a decisive move to bolster its national security apparatus, the Centre has restructured the National Security Advisory Board (NSAB), appointing former R&AW chief Alok Joshi as its chairman.
The newly reconstituted board comprises senior retired officials from the armed forces, intelligence community, police, and foreign service, reflecting a comprehensive and strategic approach to addressing evolving security challenges.
The revamp comes amid rising tensions with Pakistan, following the recent Pahalgam massacre in Jammu and Kashmir that claimed several lives.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has vowed to hold the perpetrators accountable, stating that India will relentlessly pursue those behind the attack.
The restructuring of the NSAB is being seen as part of this broader security recalibration.
Alok Joshi, known for his tenure as the head of India’s premier external intelligence agency, now leads the seven-member board that includes former senior military and law enforcement officials.
Among them are former Western Air Commander Air Marshal P.M. Sinha, former Southern Army Commander Lt Gen A.K. Singh, and retired IPS officers Rajiv Ranjan Verma and Manmohan Singh.
Joining them is B. Venkatesh Varma, a seasoned diplomat and former Indian ambassador to Russia.
The National Security Advisory Board functions as a critical think tank under the National Security Council Secretariat and provides recommendations on strategic, security, and policy matters.
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Its reconstitution follows a series of high-level consultations led by the Prime Minister, including meetings of the Cabinet Committee on Security, the Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs, and the Cabinet Committee on Political Affairs.
With tensions escalating in the region and India preparing its response to the Pahalgam attack, the NSAB’s role is expected to be pivotal in shaping national policy.
The government is also likely to announce a new set of diplomatic and economic actions against Pakistan in the coming days.
