The Government of India has appointed senior IPS officer Mahesh Dixit as the new Director of the Intelligence Bureau (IB), India’s premier domestic intelligence agency. His appointment was approved by the Appointments Committee of the Cabinet (ACC).
A 1993-batch Indian Police Service (IPS) officer of the Andhra Pradesh cadre, Dixit succeeds the outgoing Intelligence Bureau chief following the completion of the latter’s tenure.
With decades of experience in intelligence operations and internal security, Mahesh Dixit is regarded as one of the country’s most experienced intelligence officers. During his career in the Intelligence Bureau, he has handled several key assignments related to counter-terrorism, Left-Wing Extremism and cross-border security.
One of his most significant postings was as the head of the Subsidiary Intelligence Bureau (SIB), Srinagar, which oversees intelligence operations across Jammu, Kashmir and Leh. Officials credit him with playing a crucial role in strengthening intelligence gathering and maintaining internal security during the period following the abrogation of Article 370.
Known for his strong field intelligence network and expertise in counter-insurgency operations, Dixit has been closely associated with efforts to combat Pakistan-sponsored terrorism, cross-border infiltration, radicalisation and narco-terrorism.
As the new Director of the Intelligence Bureau, he assumes leadership at a time when India continues to face evolving internal security challenges, including terrorism, cyber threats, organised crime and emerging security risks.
Security experts believe his extensive operational experience and deep understanding of Jammu and Kashmir’s security landscape will be valuable in shaping the Intelligence Bureau’s future strategy and strengthening coordination among various security and intelligence agencies.
The Intelligence Bureau, functioning under the Ministry of Home Affairs, is India’s oldest intelligence organisation and plays a pivotal role in gathering domestic intelligence, counter-intelligence operations, counter-terrorism efforts and safeguarding national security.
Dixit’s appointment reflects the government’s emphasis on experienced leadership to address emerging security challenges and further strengthen the country’s internal security architecture.
