Centre Revamps NSA Board, Appoints Ex-RAW Chief Alok Joshi As Head

Alongside Joshi, six new members have been inducted into the advisory body, all bringing extensive experience from India’s defence, intelligence, and diplomatic services.

The Pahalgam terror attack claimed 28 civilian lives and has led to a tense stand-off with Pakistan, which stands accused of having masterminded the terror strike by a Lashkar-e-Toiba (LeT) affiliate. India is believed to be preparing to bring the culprits to book through its own action, which, according to sources, could range from a military strike to covert actions.

Joshi, A Respected Professional

Originally from Lucknow, Joshi is an alumnus of Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU), where he completed his postgraduation in political science. He joined the Indian Police Service (IPS) in 1976, serving in the Haryana cadre.

Over the years, he has held key positions in India’s intelligence apparatus. In 2005, he became the Joint Director of the Intelligence Bureau (IB), the country’s internal intelligence agency. He later joined RAW as a Special Secretary in 2010 and went on to lead the agency as Secretary (R) from December 30, 2012.

His appointment to the NSAB is seen as a strategic move to bolster the government’s national security advisory capabilities with his extensive intelligence background. A top official from the Cabinet Secretariat told The Secretariat, "The former RAW chief Alok Joshi is a thorough professional and one of the best RAW chiefs we have had. We can expect a shake-up of the security apparatus, especially of our spy agencies, with his appointment."

Other Appointments to NSAB

Other newly-appointed members include retired military officers Air Marshal P M Sinha, a former Western Air Commander; Lieutenant General A K Singh, a former Southern Army Commander; and Rear Admiral Monty Khanna.

The board also features two retired IPS officers — Rajiv Ranjan Verma and Manmohan Singh — as well as B Venkatesh Varma, a retired diplomat from the IFS.

The NSAB plays a key advisory role to the National Security Council, offering strategic insights on matters of national security and foreign policy.