Vidushi Gaur/ New Delhi 

Ending weeks of speculation, the Union Government has announced the reappointment of Ajit Doval as National Security Advisor (NSA) and PK Mishra as Principal Secretary to Prime Minister Narendra Modi for a third term.

NSA Ajit Doval has created a record by serving as the NSA for a third consecutive term. The Appointments Committee of the Cabinet confirmed that Doval will continue to serve as NSA, and PK Mishra will remain Principal Secretary to the Prime Minister. 

With these reappointments, both Doval and Mishra become the longest-serving Principal Advisors to Prime Minister Modi. Dr. Mishra, a retired 1972 batch officer, has been with Prime Minister Modi for the past decade, having retired as Agriculture Secretary. He will handle administrative matters and appointments within the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO).

Ajit Doval, a 1968 batch IPS officer, is known for his strategic thinking and operational expertise. Renowned for his counter-terrorism acumen and knowledge of nuclear issues, Doval will continue to oversee national security, military affairs, and intelligence.

On Thursday, Prime Minister Modi also reviewed the security situation in Jammu and Kashmir with Doval and other senior officials. They provided a comprehensive update on the region's security status and counter-terrorism efforts. The Prime Minister emphasized the need to deploy the full spectrum of India’s counter-terrorism capabilities. He also consulted Union Home Minister Amit Shah on the deployment of security forces and counter-terrorism operations.

Additionally, Prime Minister Modi spoke with Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha to assess the situation. Sinha briefed him on the local administration's efforts to manage the recent surge in violence.

This high-level meeting followed several terrorist attacks in Jammu and Kashmir in recent days. The region has seen an increase in violence, with significant incidents including the Reasi, Kathua, and Doda attacks. The most recent incident occurred on June 9, when terrorists targeted a bus in Reasi, causing it to fall into a ditch, resulting in the deaths of at least nine pilgrims and injuries to 42 others. In an earlier incident, a Special Operations Group (SOG) constable was injured in an encounter in Doda district.

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The reappointments of Ajit Doval and PK Mishra signify continuity in the top advisory roles of the Prime Minister’s administration. Their extensive experience is expected to bolster India’s national security and administrative efficiency during these challenging times.