Arvind Gupta may become next Deputy National Security Adviser

NEW DELHI: Senior diplomat and director-general of Institute for Defence Studies and Analyses (IDSA) Arvind Gupta could soon be appointed the Deputy National Security Adviser (NSA) in place of Nehchal Sandhu who put in his papers on Thursday.

ET has learnt that Gupta’s name has been considered for the key post and a decision is expected soon. Official sources indicated that the Appointments Committee of the Cabinet will take a decision soon. The government had earlier considered the names of a few serving diplomats for the post, including Ambassador to France Arun Singh, a batchmate of Gupta.

Gupta is a 1979 batch Indian Foreign Service officer, who has vast experience of handling national security matters, sources pointed out. Gupta had earlier spent eight years with the National Security Council Secretariat (NSCS) and this makes him suitable for tasks assigned to NSCS as Deputy NSA, sources said, adding during his past stint at the NSCS, he initiated the creation of National Information Board.

Developing closer ties with countries in India’s extended neighbourhood has been the key focus of Gupta in his various capacities in the government. “He has a strategic vision that is imperative for National Security Council Secretariat,” said a source who has watched Gupta closely over the years.

Prior to joining the IDSA, he was Joint Secretary at the Indian National Security Council Secretariat from 1999 to 2007. During his tenure at the NSCS, he dealt with a wide range of international and national security issues and participated in the various working groups and task forces set up by the NSC. He also worked with the Kargil Review Committee. One of the key mandates of NSA, AK Doval is rePrior to joining the IDSA, he was Joint Secretary at the Indian National Security Council Secretariat from 1999 to 2007. During his tenure at the NSCS, he dealt with a wide range of international and national security issues and participated in the various working groups and task forces set up by the NSC. He also worked with the Kargil Review Committee. One of the key mandates of NSA, AK Doval is revamping the NSCS, and Gupta, who maintains a low profile, could play a key role in that.

He was Visiting Member at the Tata Institute for Fundamental Research and served at the Oil & Natural Gas Corporation and at the State Bank of India before joining the Indian Foreign Service in 1979. As a diplomat, Gupta has served in different capacities and served in diplomatic missions.