Who Is Anish Dayal Singh?
The central government has appointed Anish Dayal Singh, a retired Indian Police Service (IPS) officer, as the new Deputy National Security Advisor (NSA) to Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Singh, 60, will report directly to National Security Advisor Ajit Doval. His appointment is seen as part of the government’s ongoing effort to strengthen India’s national security framework.
Singh is a 1988-batch IPS officer from the Manipur cadre. Born in 1964 in Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh, he began his policing journey after completing training at the Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel National Police Academy in Hyderabad. Over the decades, he has served in diverse roles, including top postings in paramilitary forces and intelligence units.
Leadership in the CRPF
Before his latest appointment, Singh served as Director General of the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) from January 2024. His tenure marked significant operational reforms, particularly in India’s fight against Left-Wing Extremism.
Under his leadership, the CRPF established more than three dozen forward operating bases (FOBs) in Naxal-affected areas. He also oversaw the induction of four new battalions, bringing in over 4,000 personnel dedicated to anti-Naxal operations in Chhattisgarh. These measures strengthened India’s counter-insurgency grid in some of the country’s most challenging conflict zones.
Singh also steered the force during two critical national exercises — the 2024 Lok Sabha elections and the first assembly polls in Jammu and Kashmir after its reorganisation. The CRPF’s effective management of these security challenges earned Singh widespread recognition.
Key Career Milestones
Anish Dayal Singh began his career in Manipur but moved to central deputation in the early 2000s, where he took on important assignments with the Intelligence Bureau (IB). This gave him valuable experience in handling internal security challenges at the national level.
Later, he served as the Director General of the Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP), which guards India’s border with China. His leadership at ITBP added to his reputation as a skilled strategist in handling sensitive border and counter-terrorism issues.
When Singh took charge of the CRPF in December 2023, he brought with him a reputation for reform and innovation. One of his most notable initiatives was the realignment of more than 130 CRPF battalions. Approved by the Union Home Ministry after eight years of planning, the restructuring aimed at:
- Reducing the average distance between battalions and their group centres from 1,200 km to 500 km.
- Improving operational readiness and supply efficiency.
- Ensuring more “family time” for troops by streamlining deployment cycles.
This move was praised for balancing operational needs with the welfare of personnel.
Focus on Dialogue and Reforms
Singh also introduced ‘Samvaad’ (dialogue) sessions, where he personally engaged with company commanders and assistant commandants. The initiative was designed to identify ground-level challenges and gather practical solutions directly from the field. These sessions received wide appreciation for making leadership more responsive to the needs of personnel.
Such initiatives reflected Singh’s belief that operational efficiency can only be achieved when forces feel supported, both structurally and personally. His proactive style of leadership is expected to continue in his new role at the National Security Council Secretariat.
What His Appointment Means
As Deputy NSA, Anish Dayal Singh will work closely with NSA Ajit Doval on India’s security and strategic affairs. With his experience across intelligence, border security, and counter-insurgency operations, Singh brings a holistic perspective to national security challenges.
His appointment also signals the government’s emphasis on bringing seasoned paramilitary and police leadership into the strategic decision-making process. At a time when India faces both traditional threats on its borders and emerging challenges like cyber warfare and hybrid security risks, Singh’s presence adds depth to the country’s security planning.
Conclusion
The appointment of Anish Dayal Singh as Deputy NSA highlights the Modi government’s strategy of combining operational expertise with policy-level leadership. From his early days in Manipur to his role in reshaping the CRPF, Singh has consistently focused on reforms, efficiency, and welfare.
As he now takes on one of the most sensitive roles in India’s security architecture, all eyes will be on how he supports Ajit Doval in steering India’s strategic and internal security policies in the coming years.