In recent days, the National Security Council Secretariat (NSCS) of India has undergone significant changes while maintaining a sense of continuity. These strategic appointments reflect the country’s evolving security needs and underscore the importance of experience and expertise in safeguarding national interests.
One of the most notable appointments is that of Pavan Kapoor, Secretary (West) in the Ministry of External Affairs, who has been named Deputy National Security Adviser (NSA). Kapoor’s expertise in Russia-Ukraine affairs, honed during his tenure as India’s Ambassador to Moscow, positions him as a crucial player in India’s security apparatus. His recent leadership at the Peace Summit on Ukraine in Switzerland, where he emphasized the indispensability of Russia’s involvement for any lasting peace, highlights his diplomatic acumen.
In a significant promotion, Rajinder Khanna, the former chief of India’s external intelligence agency, Research & Analysis Wing (R&AW), has been elevated to Additional NSA. Khanna’s promotion recognizes his exemplary work in counter-terrorism operations. Since his appointment as Deputy NSA in 2018, Khanna has been instrumental in reducing terrorism in the Kashmir Valley and dismantling anti-India networks, both domestically and internationally. His new role as Additional NSA marks the first time such a position has been created within the NSCS, underscoring the Modi administration’s commitment to robust national security measures.
The NSCS has also appointed T.V. Ravichandran, an IPS officer and Special Director in the Intelligence Bureau, as Deputy NSA. Ravichandran’s extensive experience in South Indian affairs and his long tenure in the Intelligence Bureau make him a valuable addition to the team. His appointment, alongside Kapoor’s, means that the NSCS now operates with one Additional NSA and three Deputy NSAs under the leadership of NSA Ajit Doval, who is in his third term.
These appointments come at a time when national security is paramount. The role of Deputy NSA is also held by former Border Security Force chief Pankaj Kumar, ensuring continuity and stability within the NSCS. With these seasoned professionals at the helm, the NSCS is well-equipped to address both internal and external security challenges.
The recent changes in the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) have also drawn attention to upcoming appointments for critical diplomatic positions, such as the UN Permanent Representative in New York and the Ambassador to the US. These roles are pivotal as India continues to navigate complex global dynamics and assert its strategic interests on the international stage.
Additionally, the NSCS includes the position of Military Adviser, currently held by Air Marshal Sandeep Singh (retired), and the National Maritime Security Coordinator, Vice-Admiral Ashok Kumar (retired). These roles further strengthen India’s comprehensive approach to national security, covering land, air, and maritime domains.
As the NSCS continues to evolve, these changes signal a robust framework aimed at ensuring India’s security and sovereignty in an increasingly complex global environment.