Ajit Doval Reappointed NSA, PK Mishra to Stay Principal Secretary To PM

New Delhi: Ajit Doval has been reappointed as the National Security Advisor (NSA), and PK Mishra will continue as the Principal Secretary to the Prime Minister, effective June 10. Both officials will hold the rank of cabinet ministers during their tenure, which will be co-terminus with the Prime Minister’s term or until further orders.

Appointments and Roles

• Ajit Doval: A former Intelligence Bureau director, Doval has been NSA since 2014. Known for his pivotal role in national security, he continues to be a trusted aide of PM Modi. The 1968-batch IPS officer from the Kerala cadre was the first policeman to be decorated with the Kirti Chakra, the second-highest peacetime gallantry award behind the Ashok Chakra. As NSA, he oversees national security and coordinates anti-terror and intelligence operations, making him one of the most influential officers in the country.
• PK Mishra: Serving as Principal Secretary since 2019, Mishra is a Gujarat cadre IAS officer with a PhD in Economics from the University of Sussex. Before his current role, he served as the Additional Principal Secretary to the Prime Minister. His extensive experience and academic background have made him a key figure in PM Modi’s administration.

Additional Appointments

The Appointments Committee of the Cabinet has also reappointed Amit Khare and Tarun Kapoor as advisors to the Prime Minister for two years, effective from June 10. They will hold the rank and scale of Secretary to the Government of India.

Significance

These reappointments reflect the Prime Minister’s trust in these officers, especially Doval and Mishra, who have been in critical roles for many years. Their continued presence ensures stability and continuity in the administration’s key functions.

Ajit Doval’s Legacy: Doval, a former Intelligence Bureau director, has been a central figure in India’s national security landscape since 2014. His decorated career includes being the first police officer to receive the Kirti Chakra. Doval’s influence spans all anti-terror and intelligence operations in the country, making him one of the most powerful officials in India.

PK Mishra’s Expertise: PK Mishra, a Gujarat cadre IAS officer with a PhD in Economics from the University of Sussex, took over as the Principal Secretary to the Prime Minister in 2019. His prior role as the Additional Principal Secretary and his academic credentials have solidified his position as a key strategist in the PM’s office.

Conclusion

The reappointments of Ajit Doval and PK Mishra, along with the inclusion of Amit Khare and Tarun Kapoor as advisors, highlight the Prime Minister’s strategy of maintaining experienced and trusted officials in pivotal roles. This move ensures continuity and stability within the government’s top echelons as it navigates complex national and international challenges.