In response to the recent terrorist attack in Pahalgam, which resulted in the tragic loss of 26 lives, including a Nepalese national, the Indian government has reconstituted the National Security Advisory Board (NSAB). This move is seen as part of a broader strategy to strengthen national security.
Ex-RAW Chief Alok Joshi to Lead Revamped NSAB
Alok Joshi, former chief of India’s external intelligence agency, the Research and Analysis Wing (RAW), has been appointed as the new head of the NSAB. The revamped board will now include seven members drawn from various arms of the defense and security establishment.
New Inductees into NSAB
The government has inducted several experienced officials into the newly structured NSAB:
• Air Marshal P.M. Sinha (Retd.), former Western Air Commander
• Lieutenant General A.K. Singh (Retd.), former Southern Army Commander
• Rear Admiral Monty Khanna (Retd.)
• Rajiv Ranjan Verma and Manmohan Singh, both former Indian Police Service (IPS) officers
• B. Venkatesh Varma, a retired diplomat from the Indian Foreign Service (IFS)
Top-Level CCS Meet in Wake of Terror Attack
Prime Minister Narendra Modi chaired a high-level meeting of the Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) following the Pahalgam incident. The CCS discussed the circumstances of the attack, which reportedly involved cross-border support, and examined the overall security situation in the region.
Coordinated Government Response
In addition to the CCS, the Prime Minister also convened meetings of the Cabinet Committee on Political Affairs (CCPA) and the Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA) at his residence. A press briefing has been scheduled for 3:00 PM today to outline further developments.
Attack Linked to Cross-Border Elements
Officials briefing the CCS highlighted the cross-border dimensions of the Pahalgam attack. It was noted that the assault came shortly after successful elections in the Union Territory, which has been making steady economic and developmental progress.
India Signals Tougher Posture
As part of its immediate response, the government announced the suspension of the Indus Water Treaty, a move widely interpreted as a strong diplomatic signal to Pakistan over its alleged support for cross-border terrorism.
