After securing a third consecutive term in the government following the Lok Sabha elections of 2024, the Narendra Modi administration announced today the reappointment of Ajit Doval, a 1968 batch IPS officer of the Kerala cadre, as the National Security Advisor, and PK Mishra, an IAS officer of the 1972 batch, as the Principal Secretary to the Prime Minister, effective from June 10th.
The statements released by the government stated that their appointments will be “co-terminus with the term of the Prime Minister or until further orders, whichever is earlier,” indicating their tenure will last as long as Narendra Modi serves as Prime Minister or until further directives.
During their term in office, both Ajit Doval and PK Mishra will be accorded the rank of a cabinet minister in the table of precedence, the statements confirmed.
Ajit Doval has held the position of National Security Advisor since 2014, making his reappointment significant in continuity and strategic leadership.
The Appointments Committee of the Cabinet also sanctioned the reappointment of Amit Khare and Tarun Kapoor as advisors to the Prime Minister in the Prime Minister’s Office for two years, commencing June 10. They will be appointed “in the rank and scale of Secretary to Government of India.”
These appointments underscore the trust Prime Minister Narendra Modi places in these officers, particularly in Ajit Doval and PK Mishra, both of whom have held crucial positions for several years. Ajit Doval, a former director of the Intelligence Bureau, is recognized as one of the Prime Minister’s closest confidants and has been instrumental in shaping the country’s national security strategy since assuming the role of National Security Advisor.
A decorated officer, Ajit Doval was the first policeman to receive the prestigious Kirti Chakra, the second-highest peacetime gallantry award, after the Ashok Chakra. As the head of the national security establishment, which encompasses all anti-terror and intelligence agencies, he wields significant influence and authority.
PK Mishra, who took over as the Principal Secretary to the Prime Minister in 2019, succeeding Nripendra Misra, has also been an essential figure in the Prime Minister’s inner circle. A Gujarat cadre IAS officer, Mr Mishra served as the Additional Principal Secretary to the Prime Minister before his elevation. He holds a PhD in Economics/Development Studies from the University of Sussex in England, reflecting his academic and administrative prowess.
