On August 24, 2025, the Government of India appointed Anish Dayal Singh, retired IPS officer and former CRPF & ITBP chief, as the country’s new Deputy National Security Adviser (Dy NSA).
Contents
The 1988-batch IPS officer from the Manipur cadre will report directly to NSA Ajit Doval and take charge of internal security affairs, including:
- Jammu & Kashmir counterterrorism
- Left-Wing Extremism (Naxalism)
- Insurgency in the Northeast
- Cyber and hybrid warfare threats
This strategic move comes as India confronts multiple internal and external security challenges, ranging from China border tensions to Pakistan-sponsored terrorism and cyber threats.
Early Life and Background
- Born: December 9, 1964, Prayagraj (Allahabad), Uttar Pradesh
- Family: Younger brother Justice Saumitra Dayal Singh, judge at the Allahabad High Court
- Education: Bachelor’s degree in Arts
- IPS Career: Joined the Indian Police Service (Manipur cadre) on August 21, 1989, after clearing UPSC Civil Services
- Training: Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel National Police Academy, Hyderabad
Singh’s career began during a period of intense insurgency in the Northeast, giving him early field experience in counterinsurgency operations.
Career Timeline of Anish Dayal Singh
Intelligence Bureau (IB) – Nearly 30 Years
- Served in various roles including Joint Director and Special Director.
- Gained expertise in intelligence gathering, analysis, and threat assessment.
Director General, Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) – 2022 to 2024
- Took charge on October 3, 2022 during heightened India-China border tensions.
- Oversaw the 3,488 km Line of Actual Control (LAC) with China.
- Also held additional charge of Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB).
Director General, Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) – 2024
- Served as DG CRPF from January to December 2024.
- Led India’s largest paramilitary force with over 300,000 personnel.
- Oversaw 2024 Lok Sabha elections and first Assembly elections in Jammu & Kashmir post-reorganization.
Key Achievements
Counterterrorism and Anti-Naxal Operations
- Established 30+ Forward Operating Bases (FOBs) in Maoist-affected Chhattisgarh.
- Raised 4 new CRPF battalions (4,000+ personnel) for dedicated anti-Naxal ops.
Election Security
- Ensured peaceful Lok Sabha 2024 elections.
- Secured J&K’s first Assembly elections as a Union Territory.
Organizational Reforms in CRPF
- Implemented first major battalion realignment in 8 years.
- Reduced average unit distance from 1,200 km to 500 km, improving family time for troops.
Leadership Innovations
- Introduced “Samvaad” dialogue sessions with company commanders.
- Boosted ground-level feedback and participatory decision-making.
Awards & Decorations
- President’s Police Medal for Distinguished Service (2012)
- Police Medal for Meritorious Service (2004, and again later)
- Police Special Duty Medal (twice, incl. 1997)
Role as Deputy NSA
Anish Dayal Singh’s responsibilities include:
- Internal Security Oversight: J&K, Naxal belt, Northeast insurgency.
- Inter-agency Coordination: Work with IB and RAW.
- Cybersecurity & Hybrid Warfare Preparedness.
- Policy Formulation: Long-term threat assessment and strategic planning.
He joins a diverse NSA team:
- Ajit Doval – National Security Adviser
- Rajinder Khanna – Additional NSA (former RAW chief)
- TV Ravichandran – Deputy NSA (retired IPS)
- Pawan Kapoor – Deputy NSA (former diplomat)
Why This Appointment Matters
- China Border Standoff – Singh’s ITBP experience is vital amid ongoing LAC tensions.
- Pakistan-Sponsored Terrorism – His counterterrorism expertise will shape strategy in Kashmir.
- Internal Threats – Naxalism, radicalization, and Northeast insurgency require his operational insights.
- Cyber & Hybrid Threats – Strengthening India’s preparedness in digital warfare.
