National Security Advisors of India

The National Security Advisor (NSA) of India is one of the most important strategic positions in the country. The NSA serves as the chief advisor to the Prime Minister on matters related to national security, foreign policy, intelligence, and defense strategy.

Updated On - 04 Apr 2026
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Here is a list of all the National Security Advisors of India and their time in office:

Name

Duration (Start – End)

Home State

Prime Minister

Ajit Doval

30 May 2014 – present

Kerala

Narendra Modi

Shivshankar Menon

24 January 2010 – 26 May 2014

Kerala

Manmohan Singh

M. K. Narayanan

3 January 2005 – 23 January 2010

Kerala

Manmohan Singh

J. N. Dixit

23 May 2004 – 3 January 2005

Madhya Pradesh

Manmohan Singh

Brajesh Mishra

19 November 1998 – 22 May 2004

Uttar Pradesh

Atal Bihari Vajpayee

FAQs on National Security Advisor of India

  1. Who is the current National Security Advisor of India?

    Ajit Doval is the current National Security Advisor (NSA) of India. He has been serving in the role since May 2014 under Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

  2. When was the post of National Security Advisor created in India?

    The position of National Security Advisor in India was created in 1998 during the tenure of Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee to strengthen national security coordination at the highest level.

  3. What are the main responsibilities of India’s National Security Advisor?

    The NSA advises the Prime Minister on national security, foreign policy, intelligence matters, defense strategy, and internal security. The NSA also coordinates between intelligence agencies and plays a key role in strategic decision-making.

  4. Who was the first National Security Advisor of India?

    Brajesh Mishra was the first National Security Advisor of India. He served from 1998 to 2004 and played a crucial role in shaping India’s early national security framework.

  5. Is the National Security Advisor a political or civil service position?

    The NSA is an appointed position and is not an elected political office. Individuals appointed as NSA usually come from backgrounds such as diplomacy, intelligence, or civil services.

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