In the wake of the Pahalgam terror attack on April 22, which tragically claimed the lives of 26 innocent civilians in Jammu and Kashmir’s Baisaran Valley, the Indian government has moved swiftly to reinforce its national security apparatus. This tragic event, attributed to Pakistan-based terror groups, has exacerbated the already heightened tensions between India and Pakistan, prompting a significant overhaul of the National Security Advisory Board (NSAB), a body tasked with advising the National Security Council (NSC) on critical security matters.
The Centre’s decision to restructure the NSAB comes at a time when the Indian government has intensified its diplomatic offensive against Pakistan, accusing it of supporting terrorism and destabilizing regional security. As a part of the revamp, former RAW chief Alok Joshi has been appointed to lead the newly constituted board. This decision reflects the government’s commitment to ensure robust and strategic national security mechanisms in the face of ongoing threats, especially from neighboring Pakistan.
The NSAB now comprises a diverse mix of military, police, and foreign policy experts, signaling a comprehensive approach to national security. The new board includes three military officers with extensive experience in defense operations, such as former Southern Army Commander Lieutenant General AK Singh, former Western Air Commander Air Marshal PM Sinha, and Rear Admiral Monty Khanna, all of whom bring decades of strategic military expertise. Their appointment underscores the importance of military insight in addressing India’s security challenges, particularly in the Kashmir region, where cross-border terrorism continues to be a persistent threat.
Additionally, the NSAB now includes two retired Indian Police Service (IPS) officers, Rajiv Ranjan Verma and Manmohan Singh, both of whom have vast experience in law enforcement and counterterrorism operations. Their presence on the board will ensure that the perspectives of law enforcement agencies are incorporated into India’s broader national security strategy. Along with them is B Venkatesh Varma, a retired Indian Foreign Service (IFS) officer, whose diplomatic expertise will help shape the country’s foreign policy approach, particularly in handling sensitive international relations with Pakistan and other neighboring countries.
The NSAB was first established in December 1998 as a think tank to provide long-term analysis on India’s national security. Over the years, it has played a key role in advising the National Security Council (NSC), which coordinates the country’s defense and security policies. The board is responsible for offering strategic perspectives and recommending policy options on security-related issues, ranging from terrorism to defense preparedness and foreign diplomacy. Its role is to analyze emerging threats and develop comprehensive security strategies for India.
The restructuring of the NSAB comes at a critical juncture in the ongoing India-Pakistan conflict. Following the Pahalgam terror attack, India has not only ramped up its military preparedness but also introduced a series of diplomatic measures aimed at isolating Pakistan on the global stage. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has granted the Indian armed forces complete operational freedom to retaliate against any further attacks, signaling India’s determination to take robust action against cross-border terrorism.
The Indian military has conducted large-scale exercises, including “Aakraman” (Attack), which involved the participation of frontline fighter jets like the Rafales, and its top pilots. This exercise demonstrated India’s combat readiness, while also underscoring the country’s preparedness to defend its borders in the face of rising provocations. Additionally, India’s Navy has shown its operational readiness in the Indian Ocean, as tensions with Pakistan continue to rise. In parallel, India’s diplomatic efforts have also intensified, with measures such as the downgrading of diplomatic ties with Pakistan, including visa cancellations, the suspension of the Indus Water Treaty, and the downsizing of staff at both countries’ embassies.
The newly constituted NSAB, under the leadership of Alok Joshi, is expected to play a pivotal role in this evolving security landscape. The reconstitution is intended to ensure a multifaceted approach to national security, incorporating military strategies, law enforcement, and diplomatic channels. The board will be instrumental in advising the National Security Council (NSC) on how to tackle various security challenges, particularly the growing threat of terrorism, border incursions, and foreign relations with Pakistan.
The revamp of the NSAB also coincides with India’s efforts to reinforce its military preparedness along the Line of Control (LoC) and the international border, where Pakistan has been violating ceasefire agreements over the past several days. In recent developments, Pakistan has increased its military mobilization, deploying additional troops and radar systems to forward locations to monitor potential Indian airstrikes. This move reflects Pakistan’s concerns about an imminent Indian military response to the Pahalgam attack.
The NSAB’s new composition ensures that a broad spectrum of expertise—from military to law enforcement to diplomacy—is integrated into India’s decision-making processes regarding national security. It is expected that Alok Joshi and his team will work closely with the National Security Council to evaluate emerging threats, coordinate defense strategies, and recommend actions to address both immediate and long-term security concerns.
This restructured advisory body is a clear indication of India’s proactive approach to safeguarding its national interests, not only through military preparedness but also through diplomatic engagement and counterterrorism measures. With Alok Joshi at the helm, the NSAB will play a crucial role in shaping India’s national security policies and ensuring that the country remains vigilant against the evolving threats posed by external adversaries.
