The statements confirmed that during their terms in office, both Ajit Doval and PK Mishra will be accorded the rank of cabinet minister in the table of precedence.
After securing a third consecutive term following the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, 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, a 1972 batch IAS officer, as the Principal Secretary to the Prime Minister, effective from June 10th.
The government statements indicated that Ajit Doval and PK Mishra’s appointments will be “co-terminus with the term of the Prime Minister or until further orders, whichever is earlier,” implying their tenure will coincide with Narendra Modi’s term as Prime Minister or until new instructions are issued.
Confirming their status during their tenure, both Ajit Doval and PK Mishra will hold the rank of a cabinet minister in the table of precedence, according to the statements.
Ajit Doval’s continued tenure as National Security Advisor since 2014 underscores his pivotal role in maintaining continuity and strategic leadership.
Additionally, the Appointments Committee of the Cabinet approved the reappointment of Amit Khare and Tarun Kapoor as advisors to the Prime Minister in the Prime Minister’s Office for two years, starting from June 10. They will be appointed “in the rank and scale of Secretary to Government of India.”
These appointments underscore Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s confidence in these officers, particularly Ajit Doval and PK Mishra, both of whom have held pivotal roles for many years. Ajit Doval, a former Director of the Intelligence Bureau, is known as one of the Prime Minister’s most trusted advisors and has played a crucial role in shaping the country’s national security strategy since assuming the position of National Security Advisor.
A highly decorated officer, Ajit Doval was the first police officer to receive the prestigious Kirti Chakra, the second-highest peacetime gallantry award, following the Ashok Chakra. Leading the national security establishment, encompassing all anti-terrorism and intelligence agencies, he wields substantial influence and authority.
PK Mishra, who assumed office as the Principal Secretary to the Prime Minister in 2019, succeeding Nripendra Misra, has also been a key figure in the Prime Minister’s inner circle. A Gujarat cadre IAS officer, Mr. Mishra previously served as Additional Principal Secretary to the Prime Minister before his promotion. He holds a PhD in Economics/Development Studies from the University of Sussex in England, reflecting his academic and administrative acumen.
