In the wake of the recent Pahalgam terror attack, which claimed the lives of 26 civilians—mostly tourists—the Indian government has undertaken a significant overhaul of its National Security Advisory Board (NSAB). As part of this national security recalibration, former Research and Analysis Wing (R&AW) chief Alok Joshi has been appointed as the new Chairman of the NSAB. The board now includes a team of seven high-profile former officials from India’s armed forces, intelligence agencies, police, and diplomatic corps.

The revamped board features former Western Air Commander Air Marshal PM Sinha, former Southern Army Commander Lt Gen AK Singh, and Rear Admiral Monty Khanna, representing the armed forces. From the police services, retired officers Rajiv Ranjan Verma and Manmohan Singh have been appointed, while B Venkatesh Varma, a veteran of the Indian Foreign Service, brings his diplomatic expertise to the team.

This reshuffle comes at a critical time, as tensions escalate with Pakistan following the deadliest terror strike on Indian civilians in recent years. In response to the Pahalgam attack, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has adopted a hardline stance, promising strong retaliation. On Wednesday, he chaired two crucial back-to-back meetings—one with the Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) and another with the Cabinet Committee on Political Affairs (CCPA), often referred to as the ‘super cabinet.’

During a high-level session that included Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, National Security Advisor Ajit Doval, Chief of Defence Staff General Anil Chauhan, and the chiefs of the three military services, the Prime Minister emphasized that the forces have complete operational freedom to determine the mode, targets, and timing of India’s response. Modi declared that those responsible for the attack, along with their backers, would be tracked down “to the ends of the earth” and would face a punishment “beyond their imagination.”

Further highlighting the seriousness of the government’s response, the Indus Waters Treaty with Pakistan has been placed under review. The reactivation of the CCPA, which last met in 2019 following the Pulwama attack, signals the possibility of strong retaliatory measures ahead. Earlier in the day, Union Home Secretary Govind Mohan also convened a separate high-level meeting with paramilitary chiefs and senior security officers, demonstrating a multi-layered, coordinated national response to the crisis.