Former RAW Chief Alok Joshi Appointed as Chairman of NSAB
Amid escalating tensions between India and Pakistan, especially after the recent Pulwama terrorist attack, the Modi government has taken a significant and strategic step. The government has reorganized the National Security Advisory Board (NSAB), appointing former Research and Analysis Wing (RAW) chief Alok Joshi as the new chairman. This decision comes at a time when the situation between the two countries is bordering on a war-like state. India has suspended the Indus Water Treaty, and Pakistan has closed its airspace to Indian flights, escalating the tension.
The reorganization of the NSAB includes seven new members, three of whom are retired officers from the armed services. These include former Western Air Commander Air Marshal P.M. Sinha, former Southern Army Commander Lieutenant General A.K. Singh, and Rear Admiral Monty Khanna. Additionally, two retired members from the Indian Police Service (IPS), Rajeev Ranjan Verma and Manmohan Singh, have been included in the board. The seventh member, B. Venkatesh Verma, a retired officer from the Indian Foreign Service (IFS), has also been appointed. This restructuring demonstrates the government's seriousness in strengthening national security and addressing the current crisis.
The Pulwama attack has stirred outrage across the country, as unarmed civilians and tourists were targeted. In the aftermath of the attack, India has made it clear that it will punish the attackers, and Pakistan has claimed that India could take military action within the next 24-36 hours. In this context, the reorganization of the NSAB is seen as a crucial step for national security. The new members' experience and expertise will play a vital role in providing strategic advice to the government, especially as the country faces a sensitive and tense situation.
The National Security Advisory Board (NSAB) is an essential part of India’s National Security Council (NSC), which advises the government on national security and international matters. The board provides strategic suggestions to the National Security Advisor (NSA) and the Prime Minister to assess and address internal and external security threats. Typically, the board includes experts from defense, intelligence, foreign service, and other sectors who make policy recommendations based on their experience. NSAB's primary function is to conduct in-depth analysis on national security issues, identify threats, and assist the government in developing long-term strategies. The board also focuses on issues like terrorism, border security, cyber threats, and regional tensions. Additionally, it evaluates international relations and geopolitical conditions, offering advice to strengthen India's defense and diplomatic policies. In the context of the current India-Pakistan tensions, NSAB's role becomes even more critical as it will provide advice on military and diplomatic strategies to effectively manage the situation.
Alok Joshi, the former head of India’s external intelligence agency, RAW, is well-versed in national security and intelligence matters. Joshi served as the head of RAW from 2012 to 2014, during which he led several crucial operations. He is an experienced intelligence officer who has played a key role in strengthening India’s security.
