Prime Minister Narendra Modi has appointed Ajit Doval as his NSA for a third consecutive term, granting him the rank of cabinet minister for the next five years. A notification issued by the Centre confirmed the appointment, effective from June 10, 2024, aligning with the Prime Minister's tenure or until further notice.

Doval's first major assignment in Modi's third term involves accompanying the PM to the G7 Summit in Italy, scheduled for Thursday. Additionally, he participated in a review meeting chaired by the Prime Minister concerning the recent fire tragedy in Kuwait, which claimed the lives of 42 Indians and left several others injured.

During his tenure as NSA, Ajit Doval will hold the rank of Cabinet Minister in the Table of Precedence, as specified by the notification.

Ajit Doval, a former head of India’s Intelligence Bureau and retired IPS officer, has been Prime Minister Modi’s key security advisor since May 2014. He is credited with shaping India’s national security policy, including strategies for Jammu and Kashmir, handling Khalistani activities from Western nations, and strengthening relations with countries like UAE and Saudi Arabia, while managing challenges with Pakistan and China.

During his previous tenures, India introduced a new strategic unpredictability with Pakistan. In 2016, following the Uri Brigade headquarters' terror attack, Indian armed forces conducted cross-border strikes. Subsequently, after the February Pulwama suicide attack, they carried out an airstrike on a Jaish-e-Mohammed camp in Balakot, Pakistan.

Ajit Doval, a 1968-batch officer from the Kerala cadre, was the first police officer to receive the second-highest peacetime gallantry award for his role in Operation Black Thunder-II. This operation was launched in 1988 to remove militants from the Golden Temple.

Meanwhile, Prime Minister's principal secretary PK Mishra has been granted an extension. The Centre's notification confirms Dr. P.K. Mishra's appointment as Principal Secretary to the Prime Minister, effective from June 10, 2024, aligning with the Prime Minister's term or until further notice.

Mishra has a longstanding association with Prime Minister Modi, having worked with him since his tenure as Chief Minister of Gujarat. He has been serving in the Prime Minister's Office since Modi assumed office in 2014.

Image source: ANI