Govt extends Ajit Doval’s tenure as National Security Advisor, reappoints PK Mishra as principal secretary to PM Modi

The government on Thursday extended the tenure of Ajit Doval, former IB chief and Kerala cadre IPS officer, as the National Security Advisor (NSA ) and re-appointed PK Mishra as the Principal Secretary to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, according to official orders.

In a statement announcing the appointment, the government said Doval's appointment will be co-terminus with the term of the Prime Minister or until the further orders, whichever is earlier.

"The Appointments Committee of the Cabinet has approved the appointment of Ajit Doval, IPS (Retired) as National Security Adviser with effect from 10.06.2024," said the order issued by the Personnel Ministry.

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During the term of his office, Doval will be assigned the rank of Cabinet Minister in the Table of Precedence, the DoPT said, adding the terms and conditions of his appointment will be notified separately.

Along with Doval, the Appointments Committee of the Cabinet also approved the appointment of Dr PK Mishra, IAS (Retired), as the Principal Secretary to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, with effect from June 6, 2024. 

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His appointment will be co-terminus with the term of the Prime Minister or until further orders, whichever is earlier. During his term, he will also be assigned the rank of Cabinet Minister in the Table of Precedence.

Whereas, Amit Khare and Tarun Kapoor have been appointed as Advisors to PM, in the Prime Minister's Office, in the rank and scale of Secretary to Government of India. Their appointment will be for a period of two years with effect from June 10, 2024, until further orders.

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Doval is a former IB Chief and 1968 batch IPS officer. He is a renowned counterterrorism and nuclear issues expert, a classic spymaster with experience in Pakistan and Afghanistan, and close links in the Middle East. Mishra is a retired 1972 batch IAS officer who has been with Prime Minister Modi for the past decade. Despite their vast expertise, both officers are known for keeping a very low profile.