Security advisory board revamped after Pahalgam attack, ex-RAW chief to head it

In the wake of continuing strains with Pakistan following the Pahalgam terror incident, the Centre has reorganized the National Security Advisory Board (NSAB) and named former RAW chief Alok Joshi as its leader.

The initiative to overhaul the NSAB follows the Pahalgam terrorist assault in the picturesque Baisaran Valley of Jammu and Kashmir on April 22, which resulted in the deaths of 26 individuals. The NSAB will consist of six members, comprising three with military experience, two IPS officers, and one Indian Foreign Service (IFS) official.

From the armed forces, ex-Southern Army Commander Lieutenant General AK Singh, past Western Air Commander Air Marshal PM Sinha, and Rear Admiral Monty Khanna have been designated.

The six-member board is comprised of retired IPS officers Rajiv Ranjan Verma and Manmohan Singh, along with retired IFS officer B Venkatesh Varma.

Initially established in December 1998, the NSAB conducts extensive analysis to offer insights on national security matters to the National Security Council (NSC) and to suggest actions or policy alternatives regarding the issues presented by the NSC.

The most recent board was established in 2018, with PS Raghavan, who served as India’s Ambassador to Russia from 2014 to 2016, as its leader. The revival of the NSAB led by Alok Joshi occurs amidst escalating tensions between India and Pakistan after India initiated a diplomatic campaign against the neighboring nation due to its supposed role in the terrorist attacks.