A hawk or a moderate? Modi's National Security Adviser must know Pak

By R K Raghavan

I am writing within minutes of the official announcement that the incoming Prime Minister desires to have an international presence at his swearing-in ceremony on the 26th. What better way to begin one’s innings as India’s new CEO! All his overworked and fatigued detractors have been bowled over by this remarkable piece of diplomacy. Some have been effusive, and the others somewhat economical in their praise. Nevertheless an auspicious beginning has been made. But however much the Prime Minister is demonstrative and transparent, some solid backstage work has to be done, and that has to come from the bureaucracy led by the National Security Adviser (NSA).

In all probability, the incumbent Shivshankar Menon will have to give way for another person of the new government’s choice. This is a pity because Menon is a devoted and self-effacing professional who played a competent role without being flamboyant. I am sure many in government, especially in the MEA and Home Ministry, found him agreeable and never overbearing. Of course, who knows whether he will be replaced at all? Given Modi’s penchant for springing surprises, he may still want to retain Menon.

Reports however point to a new kid on the block. Ajit Doval, a former Director, Intelligence Bureau, is being mentioned in dispatches as one who could succeed Menon. Doval has already had a publicized meeting with Modi where he was said to have briefed him.

Doval and I were colleagues at the IB. I have seen him work doggedly and achieve remarkable results. He is rated high in operations, and is therefore a right choice in dealing with our neighbours, especially Pakistan. His knowledge of the ISI and its bellicose stance towards us is of particular relevance to the current situation. We expect the new Prime Minister to be polite and courteous to friend and foe, but without losing the verve to hit back when provoked. The new NSA will have to be in sync with this difficult style, and if my assessment of Doval is correct, he will fit the bill admirably. I know he has also his own detractors in high places in the previous administration. Hence he had to lie low for nearly a decade. He has bounced back with a vengeance and determination to prove himself. I see no reason why he should not succeed.

I have seen at least two previous NSAs closely at work. They had contrasting styles. The late Brajesh Mishra, who served Vajpayee admirably well, was crisp and sharp. Without being brusque he made it clear that he wanted you to be with him for only just a couple of minutes and not a minute longer, for transacting any business. He knew when to assert himself and when to withdraw. I still remember how at my first meeting with Atalji he was present only to perform the niceties of introduction. Thereafter he was conspicuously absent, leaving the two of us all to ourselves. His self-assurance was remarkable, possibly something traceable to the confidence he enjoyed with Atalji. Mishra wielded enormous clout on which he drew without revealing any signs of arrogance or rancour. This is why he continued to be respected even years after ceased to be NSA.

When I describe MK Narayanan (MK) I have to be necessarily subjective. He was my IB boss for decades, and later a very good friend. He has not forgiven me to this day for leaving the IB to pursue higher studies in the US. He thought I was DIB material.

Compared to Brajesh, MK was more plodding. His knowledge of both theory and practice was phenomenal. He was a visionary as well as a practical man. He knew when to be theoretical and when not to be. His success was his capacity for hard work and an enormous interest in meeting people and absorbing whatever they conveyed. His long years in the IB and his close association with Rajiv Gandhi gave him an elan which nobody can surpass. He enjoyed being important in a positive sense. If he can establish rapport with a mercurial Chief Minister such as Mamata, there is no one he cannot break bread with. The ease with which he moved into international arena from a mere domestic intelligence specialist spoke volumes for his ability to adapt. Of course, in all this, his acceptability to the family accounted at least partially to his great success and image.

Modi’s NSA will have to contend with a people’s PM, and not one who was anointed by a coterie. Modi may be on unfamiliar territory as far as foreign policy was concerned. He has however shown himself to be a quick learner. The NSA will have to take care of a little mentoring in the area. A competent Home Minister should tend the domestic situation and leave enough time for Modi to concentrate on an equally craggy terrain of Pakistan and China. Here Doval’s amazing knowledge of Pakistan will greatly help.

There is no place in the PMO for histrionics or a trigger-happy response. The NSA cannot be a hawk. He should be a moderator and shock absorber rather than an Army Commander itching for action.

Above all, the NSA should take care of the niceties of etiquette in dealing with the mighty in the Establishment, both ministers and civil servants. The latter should look upon the NSA as a facilitator rather than a power centre. The temptation to interfere in the routine of security agencies is enormous. If the NSA doesn’t keep off from the politics that is in-built here, he will get distracted and bring a bad name not only to himself but to the whole PMO itself. Above all, if he makes the grade, Doval can draw on his knowledge of how both Mishra and MK worked. Perhaps the two past NSAs complemented each other, and there is a lot to learn from their successes and failures.

(The writer is a former CBI Director.)