National Security Council

29/03/2025

312 2 minutes read

Prior to the formation of the NSC, the functions related to national security were accomplished by the Principal Secretary to the Prime Minister.
It operates under a 3-tier structure i.e. Strategic Policy Group (SPG), National Security Advisory Board (NSAB) and National Security Council Secretariat (NSCS).

- - It is the foremost mechanism for inter-ministerial coordination and integration of relevant inputs in formulating national security guidelines.
  - It is headed by the NSA. Earlier, it was headed by the Cabinet Secretary.
  - It includes the chiefs of the Armed Forces, the Intelligence Bureau and Research and Analysis Wing.
  - Its essential venture is to make policy pointers to the National Security Council.
  - The Cabinet Secretary coordinates the implementation of SPG selections by the Union Ministries and departments and State governments.

- - It advises the Council on issues referring to national security that the Council might also check with.
  - It consists of a convenor and other individuals of eminence outside the government with information in foreign affairs, external security, defence and military, strategic analysis, and so forth.
  - The NSAB undertakes long-term evaluation and gives views on issues of national security.
  - The first NSAB was established in 1998 with K. Subrahmanyam as its convener.

- It is overseen by the Prime Minister, operates with NSA as its secretary, and serves as the apex body for all subjects regarding internal and external security.

The NSC is headed by the Prime Minister of India. The NSA acts as the secretary of the NSC and also as the number one consultant to the top minister. The headquarters of the NSC is located in New Delhi.
Ajit Doval is the current NSA, serving a 3rd term. He is the longest-serving NSA in India’s records, with a tenure of over 10 years. Brajesh Mishra served as the country’s first NSA.
The Appointments Committee of the Cabinet (ACC) in India appoints top government positions. It is chaired by the Prime Minister and the Minister of Home Affairs.
The committee submits proposals for senior government appointments and makes decisions on positions including the National Security Advisor.

Besides the NSA, it includes Deputy NSA and additional NSA, Ministers of Defence, External Affairs, Home Affairs, and Finance of the Government of India, and the Vice Chairman of the NITI Aayog (National Institution for Transforming India).
Additional officials may be invited to month-to-month meetings as needed.