India's first National Security Advisor Brajesh Mishra passes away

NEW DELHI: Brajesh Chandra Mishra, arguably India's most powerful principal secretary to a prime minister, died in New Delhi on Friday. He would have been 84 on Saturday. Mishra was the first National Security Advisor and principal secretary to former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee.

A principal secretary in classical mode, Mishra was instrumental in Vajpayee's big-ticket foreign policy initiatives like the Lahore bus yatra and re-engagement with the United States after India's nuclear tests. Mishra played a pivotal role in the Pokharan 2 tests that announced India's arrival into the nuclear club.

On the domestic front, Mishra steered Vajpayee government's reform initiatives. He was the arbiter on critical issues such as disinvestment and telecom policy. Mishra shared a proximity with Vajpayee and was believed to be the cause of the rift between the PM and his deputy, Advani.

After the Tehelka expose, there was a concerted effort by a section of the BJP to force Mishra to resign but with Vajpayee standing by his friend, Mishra was able to withstand the pressure and continue in his position till the NDA government lost power in 2004.

Born on September 29, 1928, Mishra was the son of former Madhya Pradesh chief minister Dwarka Prasad Mishra, who belonged to the Congress.