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National Security Advisor JN Dixit: Profile
National Security Advisor JN Dixit: Profile
Dixit, who had held several key positions while in the Foreign Service, including High Commissioner to Pakistan and Sri Lanka, was instrumental in formulating the Congress agenda on defence, security and foreign policy matters before the Lok Sabha elections. He is Vice Chairman of the Foreign Affairs Department of the All India Congress Committee. Dixit, 78, said he would ensure that the post of the NSA was "institutionally stronger". "I want to establish interconnectivity with the ministries, NSAB and the armed forces,". Dixit's role will be different from that of his predecessor who was both the principal secretary and the National Security Advisor. "I will be working under the Prime Minister's directions, but equally important will be the guidance of the external affairs, defence, home and finance ministers," he said. Although Dixit refused to make any comment on specifics like his stand on the border talks with China or the peace process with Pakistan, he did say that he would be the interlocutor for talks with China. "I will handle all the work handled by Mr. (Brajesh) Mishra and only the work of the principal secretary will be divided now," he said. An astute diplomat, Dixit is known for his pragmatic approach to foreign policy. He was one of the first diplomats who joined the party when it was in the opposition. Dixit served as India's ambassador in hotspots like Afghanistan, Sri Lanka and Pakistan. He was also India's first ambassador to Bangladesh. |
He drove to the South Block in his Toyota Corolla car to assume office which was held by Brajesh Mishra in the previous Vajpayee Government. JN Dixit was appointed the National Security Advisor in the Prime Ministers' Office on May 26, 2004 for three years. And would enjoy the rank of Minister of State.
