New Delhi (Rajeev Sharma): As tensions between India and Pakistan escalate following the deadly Pahalgam terror attack, the Government of India has restructured the National Security Advisory Board (NSAB) to bolster its strategic preparedness. Former RAW (Research and Analysis Wing) chief Alok Joshi has been appointed as the new Chairman of the seven-member board.
The revamp signals a fresh strategic shift in India’s national security outlook and comes at a critical juncture when cross-border threats are again in sharp focus. The updated panel includes a mix of highly decorated retired officers from the military, police, and diplomatic corps, aimed at enhancing the government’s access to diverse expertise in defense and foreign policy.
The newly appointed members are:
- Air Marshal PM Sinha, former Western Air Commander
- Lt Gen AK Singh, ex-Southern Army Commander
- Rear Admiral Monty Khanna, Indian Navy (Retd.)
- Rajiv Ranjan Verma and Manmohan Singh, both retired IPS officers
- B Venkatesh Varma, former Indian Foreign Service officer and diplomat
The overhaul of the NSAB follows the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack, which killed 26 individuals, largely tourists, and has since prompted a nationwide security clampdown and heightened border alerts.
The NSAB, which functions under the National Security Council Secretariat (NSCS), is tasked with offering independent and non-partisan advice to the government on long-term strategic and security issues. With the induction of seasoned experts, the board is expected to provide sharper insights into India’s evolving security environment, including emerging challenges from its western borders.
Analysts believe the board’s reconstitution reflects New Delhi’s seriousness in reassessing its strategic doctrines, especially in light of rising regional instability and terror threats.
