Alok Joshi Takes Charge: Central Government's Response to Pahalgam Terror Attack
Alok Joshi, past RAW chief, seized new role as National Security Advisory Board chairman amidst Pahalgam terror attack - Understanding his selection rationale
India News Desk Join Us In the aftermath of the Pahalgam terror attack, the Central government restructured the National Security Advisory Board (NSAB) and named former RAW chief, Alok Joshi, as its new leader on April 30th. This seven-person panel consists of retired officers from the armed forces, Indian Foreign Service (IFS), and Indian Police Service (IPS).
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Who is Alok Joshi?
Joshi, an IPS officer from the 1976 Haryana cadre and a Jawaharlal Nehru University alum, hails from Lucknow. He served as Joint Director of the Intelligence Bureau in 2005, rose to RAW Special Secretary in 2010, and assumed the role of RAW chief in 2012.
Why Joshi?
This appointment underscores the Central government's commitment to tackle the Pahalgam terror attack decisively. It's a testament to India's stiff approach towards Pakistan, as highlighted by Prime Minister Narendra Modi's pledge to bring justice.
The NSAB members include noteworthy figures such as Air Marshal P.M. Sinha (former Western Air Commander), Lt. Gen. A.K. Singh (former Southern Army Commander), and Rear Admiral Monty Khanna. The panel also includes two retired IPS officers, Rajiv Ranjan Verma, and Manmohan Singh, alongside former IFS officer B. Venkatesh Varma.
The CCS held two meetings, the first taking place on April 23, a day after the attack, and the second on April 30. Separate meetings of the Cabinet Committees on Political and Economic Affairs were held, followed by a briefing at 3 PM.
On Tuesday, PM Modi asserted that India's armed forces have "complete operational freedom" when deciding their response to the Pahalgam incident. Minister Rajnath Singh, NSA Ajit Doval, and the chiefs of the Army, Navy, and Air Force attended the meeting.
The Man Behind the Appointment
A seasoned professional in the field of intelligence and security, Joshi's intimate knowledge of strategic matters, coupled with his administrative and strategic capabilities, makes him a well-equipped candidate for leading a multidisciplinary team like the NSAB.
Appointed to advise the National Security Council on long-term strategic analysis and recommendations, Joshi is set to play a crucial role in shaping India's response to heightened security challenges [1][2][4].
- The Central government's appointment of Alok Joshi as the new National Security Advisory Board (NSAB) Chairman is a reflection of their determination to address the Pahalgam terror attack decisively.
- Indian Finance Minister Narendra Modi's pledge to bring justice underscores the government's firm approach towards Pakistan following the Pahalgam terror incident.
- Alok Joshi, the new NSAB Chairman, boasts an extensive career in intelligence and security, having served as RAW chief and a Joint Director of the Intelligence Bureau.
- The National Security Advisory Board (NSAB), led by Alok Joshi, includes distinguished members such as Air Marshal P.M. Sinha, Lt. Gen. A.K. Singh, Rear Admiral Monty Khanna, and other retired officers from the armed forces, Indian Foreign Service (IFS), and Indian Police Service (IPS).
- The decision-making process of India's response to the Pahalgam incident is in the hands of the country's armed forces, who have been granted "complete operational freedom" by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
