Former RAW Chief Alok Joshi to Lead New National Security Advisory Board: In the wake of the tragic Pahalgam terror attack, the Indian government has taken a major step towards strengthening national security. The National Security Advisory Board (NSAB) has been revamped, and former R&AW (Research and Analysis Wing) chief Alok Joshi has been appointed as its new chairman. This move comes after top-level meetings held by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and is seen as a strong response to rising security concerns.
All You Need to Know
- Alok Joshi, ex-RAW chief, appointed as NSAB chairman
- NSAB includes seven members from defence, police, and diplomatic services
- Move comes after Pahalgam terror attack that killed 26 people
- PM Modi chaired CCS, CCPA, and CCEA meetings on national security
- Indian Armed Forces given full operational freedom
Members of the New NSAB: Alok Joshi to Lead
The newly formed National Security Advisory Board has a mix of experienced defence and civil service officials. Here are the key members:
- Air Marshal PM Sinha (Retd): Former Western Air Commander
- Lt General AK Singh (Retd): Former Southern Army Commander
- Rear Admiral Monty Khanna (Retd)
- Rajiv Ranjan Verma (Retd): Former IPS
- Manmohan Singh (Retd): Former IPS
- B Venkatesh Varma (Retd): Former IFS
These members bring years of experience in security, defence, foreign policy, and policing, ensuring a well-rounded approach to tackling national threats.
Background: What Triggered This Move?
The decision to reconstitute the NSAB came soon after the horrific terror attack in Pahalgam, Jammu & Kashmir, where 25 Indian nationals and one Nepali citizen were killed. Many others were injured. This attack shocked the entire country and raised urgent questions about cross-border terrorism and security preparedness.
High-Level Security Meetings
Following the Pahalgam incident, PM Modi held several crucial meetings. The Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS), Cabinet Committee on Political Affairs (CCPA), and Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA) met at the Prime Minister’s residence.
In these meetings, intelligence inputs pointed to cross-border connections in the attack. The CCS was told that the Pahalgam incident happened just after the successful elections in the Union Territory, showing signs that progress was being targeted.
PM Modi’s Response
PM Modi assured full support to the armed forces and gave them the green signal to take necessary steps. He told defence minister Rajnath Singh, Chief of Defence Staff Gen. Anil Chauhan, and the three service chiefs that the military has full operational freedom to decide how and when India will respond.
Why This Board Matters
The NSAB acts as an advisory body to the National Security Council. It provides long-term policy suggestions on issues related to defence, foreign affairs, technology, economy, and national security. By including experts outside of active government service, the board brings fresh and honest perspectives.
Now with Alok Joshi at the helm, who has years of experience leading India’s premier intelligence agency, the board is expected to deliver sharper and more practical advice on security issues.
Strong Message to Pakistan
After the CCS briefing, the government also announced measures like putting the Indus Water Treaty on hold as a direct message to Pakistan. This move underlines India’s growing assertiveness against terrorism and its sponsors.
The reconstitution of the NSAB under the leadership of Alok Joshi is not just a routine reshuffle. It’s a clear and strong message from the government that India is serious about national security, especially after the painful Pahalgam attack. With trusted experts on board, the country is hoping for more effective strategies to tackle both internal and external threats. The people of India now look towards this new board with expectations of smarter and quicker actions in securing the nation.
FAQs
Who is the new chairman of the National Security Advisory Board?
Former RAW chief Alok Joshi has been appointed as the new chairman.
Why was the NSAB reconstituted?
It was revamped after the deadly Pahalgam terror attack to improve national security strategy.
Who are the members of the new NSAB?
It includes retired officers from the military, police, and diplomatic services like Air Marshal PM Sinha, Lt Gen AK Singh, Rear Admiral Monty Khanna, Rajiv Ranjan Verma, Manmohan Singh, and B Venkatesh Varma.
What was PM Modi’s message to the Armed Forces?
He said they have complete operational freedom to plan India’s response.
What is the NSAB’s role?
The NSAB advises the National Security Council by giving long-term analysis and policy recommendations on defence, foreign affairs, and national security.
