Following the Pulwama attack and rising Indo-Pak tensions, the Modi government has reshuffled the National Security Advisory Board (NSAB). Former RAW chief Alok Joshi has been appointed as the chairman, and seven new members have been added to the board.
New Delhi: Amidst escalating tensions between India and Pakistan following the Pulwama terrorist attack, the Modi government has undertaken a significant reshuffle of the National Security Advisory Board (NSAB). This change aims to further strengthen India's strategic security preparedness. The government has appointed experienced experts to the NSAB as part of a broader effort to revamp the country's security and intelligence apparatus. Former Research and Analysis Wing (RAW) chief Alok Joshi has been appointed as the new chairman of the NSAB.
What is NSAB and its purpose?
The National Security Advisory Board (NSAB) is a strategic think tank operating under the National Security Council (NSC). Its primary objective is to advise the government on matters related to national security, foreign policy, defense strategy, and technological security. The NSAB is periodically reconstituted to adapt to the evolving security landscape.
Why the reshuffle in NSAB?
The recent terrorist attack in Pulwama, Jammu and Kashmir, highlighted the need for India to further strengthen its security framework. Furthermore, India faces strategic challenges on both the China and Pakistan fronts. Considering these circumstances, the government has included experienced experts with extensive on-the-ground experience in the NSAB.
NSAB's new chairman: Alok Joshi
Alok Joshi is a former RAW chief with extensive experience in national security matters. He served as RAW chief from 2012 to 2014 and led several major intelligence operations. During his tenure:
- Successful operations against terrorists on the Myanmar border were conducted.
- Surveillance on anti-India networks in Pakistan and other countries was increased.
- RAW's global intelligence network was strengthened.
- His appointment will bring depth and practical understanding of intelligence strategies to the NSAB.
Six other strategic experts included in the NSAB
1. Air Marshal Pankaj Mohan Sinha (Retd.)
Former Western Air Commander
Awarded PVSM, AVSM, VSM
Extensive strategic experience in the Indian Air Force
2. Lieutenant General A.K. Singh (Retd.)
Former Southern Army Commander
Served in counter-terrorism operations and challenging terrains like Siachen.
Experienced officer associated with the Gorkha Regiment
3. Admiral Monty Khanna (Retd.)
Expert in submarine and warship operations
Served as Assistant Military Advisor in NSCS
Recipient of the Nau Sena Medal and Ati Vishisht Seva Medal
4. Rajiv Ranjan Verma (Former IPS Officer)
Special Director in the Intelligence Bureau (IB)
1990 batch UP cadre officer
Expertise in internal intelligence surveillance
5. Manmohan Singh (Retd. IPS Officer)
Extensive experience in intelligence and security operations
Veteran officer of the police service
6. B. Venkatesh Verma (Retd. IFS Officer)
Former Indian Ambassador to Russia
Deep understanding of defense and international diplomacy
Role in strategic defense cooperation agreements
