In a significant move, the government has announced the reappointments of Ajit Doval as the National Security Advisor (NSA) and PK Mishra as the Principal Secretary to the Prime Minister, effective from June 10. Both officials will serve in their positions "co-terminus with the term of the Prime Minister or until further orders, whichever is earlier," ensuring their tenure lasts as long as Narendra Modi remains in office or until further directives are issued.
Doval and Mishra will hold the rank of cabinet ministers during their term, underscoring their pivotal roles within the government. This reappointment reflects the immense trust and confidence the Prime Minister places in their capabilities.
The Appointments Committee of the Cabinet has also approved the reappointment of Amit Khare and Tarun Kapoor as advisors to the Prime Minister, effective from June 10, for a period of two years. Both advisors will hold the rank and scale of Secretary to the Government of India.
Ajit Doval, a former director of the Intelligence Bureau, has been serving as the National Security Advisor since 2014. A 1968-batch IPS officer from the Kerala cadre, Doval is renowned for his extensive experience in intelligence and national security. He was the first police officer to be awarded the Kirti Chakra, the second-highest peacetime gallantry award in India. As the head of the national security establishment, which includes all anti-terror and intelligence agencies, Doval is one of the most influential officers in the country.
PK Mishra, who took over as the Principal Secretary to the Prime Minister in 2019, succeeded Nripendra Misra. A 1972-batch IAS officer from the Gujarat cadre, Mishra previously served as the Additional Principal Secretary to the Prime Minister. He holds a PhD in Economics/Development Studies from the University of Sussex in England.
These reappointments highlight the continuity and stability within the Prime Minister's core team, emphasizing their crucial roles in shaping and implementing key policies and strategies for the nation.
