NEW DELHI: On Thursday, the central government appointed Ajit Doval as the National Security Advisor (NSA) for a third term, with his tenure now co-terminus with the Prime Minister’s. “The Appointments Committee of the Cabinet has approved the appointment of retired IPS officer Ajit Doval as NSA, effective from 10th June 2024. His term will align with the Prime Minister’s tenure or continue until further orders, whichever comes first,” according to an official statement.
The committee also approved the appointment of Dr. PK Mishra as Principal Secretary to the Prime Minister, effective from 10th June. His tenure will align with the term of the Prime Minister, and he will hold the rank of Cabinet Minister during his service. Additionally, the government has appointed Amit Khare and Tarun Kapoor as Advisors to the Prime Minister for two-year terms.
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Even before this extension, Ajit Doval was the longest-serving NSA. He began his first five-year term in 2014 and continued with a second term in 2019. His latest term ended on June 5. The two retired bureaucrats are now the longest-serving Principal Advisors to the Prime Minister.
Dr. Mishra will manage administrative matters and appointments in the PMO, while Ajit Doval will oversee national security, military affairs, and intelligence.
A 1968 batch IPS officer, Ajit Doval combines strategic thinking with operational planning, bringing a unique skill set to the Prime Minister. He is a renowned counter-terrorism expert and a specialist in nuclear issues.
Both NSA Ajit Doval and Dr. Mishra are highly trusted by PM Narendra Modi, having been associated with him even before he became the NDA’s Prime Minister in 2014. Despite their experience and expertise, they maintain a very low profile, with NSA Ajit Doval staying completely out of the media and avoiding interviews.