National Security Advisory Board Revamped: Members, Mandate & Strategic Role Explained

What’s in Today’s Article?

• National Security Advisory Board Latest News
• National Security Advisory Board (NSAB)
• NSAB Reconstituted
• National Security Advisory Board FAQs

National Security Advisory Board Latest News

• The Union government has restructured the National Security Advisory Board (NSAB), appointing former RAW chief Alok Joshi as its new chairman, along with six other members. 
• This move comes at a time of rising tensions between India and Pakistan in the aftermath of the recent terror attack in Pahalgam.

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National Security Advisory Board (NSAB)

• The National Security Advisory Board (NSAB) is a key body under India’s three-tier national security structure.
  • National Security Council (NSC) – Apex body headed by the Prime Minister.
  • Strategic Policy Group (SPG) – Chaired by the National Security Advisor.
  • National Security Advisory Board (NSAB) – Advisory body providing long-term analysis.
• It provides inputs on strategic and security-related matters and plays a crucial role in shaping India’s national security policies by bringing together domain experts from various fields.

Need for NSAB

• To provide a broad-based perspective on national security challenges.
• To incorporate views from outside the government structure for innovative and non-bureaucratic insights.
• To ensure informed decision-making on complex and evolving threats (e.g., cyber, space, terror, climate).
• To enhance strategic thinking and foresight on foreign and security policy matters.

Legal Mandate

• The NSAB has no statutory or constitutional status.
• It operates under the framework of the National Security Council Secretariat (NSCS).
• It is an advisory and non-binding body — its recommendations are not enforceable but carry weight.

Composition

• Headed by a Chairperson (usually a former senior official or expert).
• Includes 7 members from diverse fields such as diplomacy, military, academia, economics, science & tech.
• Members are appointed by the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) or on NSA’s recommendation.
• It is non-permanent, and its composition may change based on government needs.

Functions and Responsibilities

• Provides policy perspectives and recommendations to the National Security Council (NSC).
• Offers strategic guidance on evolving threats and national interests.
• Focuses on research, foresight, and independent analysis to support government decision-making.

Current Agenda of NSAB

• Neighbourhood strategy and Western neighbourhood
• Border management
• Maritime security
• Internal security
• Strategic industries and technology
• Strategic communications

NSAB Reconstituted

• The government has reconstituted the National Security Advisory Board (NSAB) and appointed former R&AW chief Alok Joshi as its new chairman. 
• The seven-member board includes:
  • Military Veterans:
    • Air Marshal P.M. Sinha (Former Western Air Commander)
    • Lt Gen A.K. Singh (Former Southern Army Commander)
    • Rear Admiral Monty Khanna
  • Police Officers:
    • Rajiv Ranjan Verma (Retired IPS)
    • Manmohan Singh (Retired IPS)
  • Diplomat:
    • B. Venkatesh Varma (Retired IFS)

National Security Advisory Board FAQs

Q1. What is the NSAB?

Ans. An advisory body under the NSC providing long-term strategic analysis on national security issues to the government.

Q2. Who heads the NSAB now?

Ans. Former RAW chief Alok Joshi has been appointed chairman in the latest reconstitution.

Q3. What does the NSAB do?

Ans. It offers perspectives, policy recommendations, and studies referred issues related to security and strategy.

Q4. Is NSAB a statutory body?

Ans. No, it has no legal status and functions as an advisory group under the NSC Secretariat.

Q5. What’s NSAB’s current agenda?

Ans. Focus areas include border security, neighbourhood strategy, internal threats, maritime safety, and strategic technologies.

Source: IE | ToI | MHA