Anish Dayal Singh, a retired 1988-batch IPS officer from the Manipur cadre and former Director General of the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), has been appointed as the Deputy National Security Advisor (NSA). The appointment, made on Sunday, places Singh directly under the National Security Advisor, Ajit Doval.

Singh's career in the Indian Police Service spans several decades, marked by significant contributions to internal security, counter-insurgency operations, and border management. Born in 1964 in Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh, Singh was selected for the IPS in 1988 and trained at the Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel National Police Academy in Hyderabad. He was then allocated to the Manipur cadre on August 21, 1989. His brother, Saumitra Dayal Singh, serves as a judge in the Allahabad High Court.

Before his appointment as Deputy NSA, Singh served as the Director General of the CRPF from January 1, 2024, until December 31, 2024. During his tenure, the CRPF made considerable progress in the government's efforts to combat Naxalism. Under his leadership, the CRPF established more than three dozen forward operating bases (FOBs) in areas affected by Left-Wing Extremism (LWE) and introduced four new battalions, adding over 4,000 personnel dedicated to anti-Naxal operations in Chhattisgarh. His tenure also coincided with the successful conduct of the 2024 Lok Sabha elections and the first assembly elections in the Union territory of Jammu and Kashmir, where the CRPF played a vital role in ensuring security across the nation.

Singh also held the position of Director General of the Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP), a paramilitary force responsible for guarding the India-China border. Additionally, he held key positions in the Intelligence Bureau, providing him with operational insights into domestic and border security challenges. He also held additional charge of the Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB).

Singh's extensive experience in various security roles, including counter-insurgency and border management, is expected to strengthen the country's national security framework. As Deputy NSA, he will work closely with the National Security Advisor in providing strategic guidance on emerging and ongoing threats.

Throughout his career, Singh has been awarded the Indian Police Medal for Meritorious Service in 2004 and the President's Police Medal for Distinguished Service in 2012. He also received the PSDM Medal twice.