The Narendra Modi government has restructured the National Security Council Secretariat (NSCS), promoting Deputy NSA Rajinder Khanna to Additional NSA and appointing TV Ravichandran, Special Director of the Intelligence Bureau, as Deputy NSA.

A senior government official said, "Now NSA Ajit Doval can fully assist PM Modi, with internal security matters being handled by the Additional NSA." This move aims to maintain continuity in the national security framework, according to the official.

NSCS
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Rajinder Khanna, a 1978-batch officer of the Research and Analysis Wing Service (RAS), served as the chief of the Research and Analysis Wing (RAW) from December 2014 to December 2016. Known for his expertise in Pakistan and counter-terrorism, Khanna was in charge of RAW's operations desk. He was appointed Deputy NSA in January 2018, where he led the Technology and Intelligence (T&I) section.

TV Ravichandran Appointed Deputy NSA

TV Ravichandran, a 1990-batch officer who currently serves as Special Director of the Intelligence Bureau, has been named Deputy NSA. Ravichandran, who leads the Intelligence Bureau's operations in South India, was scheduled to retire in August 2024. His nomination as Deputy NSA is part of the government's attempt to leverage his significant intelligence experience.

NSCS
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The other Deputy NSA, Pankaj Singh, was appointed in January 2023 for a two-year term.

Additionally, Vikram Misri, a 1989-batch Indian Foreign Service officer, has been appointed as Foreign Secretary, succeeding Vinay Kwatra. Kwatra is expected to become India’s ambassador to the US. Jawed Ashraf, currently India’s ambassador in Paris, is anticipated to succeed Misri as Deputy NSA.

NSCS Announces Key Diplomatic Changes

The NSCS, overseen by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and led by NSA Ajit Doval, serves as the apex body for all matters concerning internal and external security. This restructuring aims to strengthen the country’s security apparatus and ensure effective management of national security issues.

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