The Appointments Committee of the Cabinet (ACC), chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has approved the appointment of Mahesh Dixit as the new Director of the Intelligence Bureau (IB). A 1993-batch Indian Police Service (IPS) officer of the Andhra Pradesh cadre, Dixit will assume charge on 30 June, succeeding Tapan Kumar Deka.
The appointment is for a two-year tenure from the date he assumes office or until further orders, whichever is earlier. The approval includes an extension in service under the relevant provisions of the All India Services rules.
Mahesh Dixit’s Appointment as IB Chief
According to the official order issued by the Appointments Committee of the Cabinet, Mahesh Dixit, who is currently serving as the Special Director of the Intelligence Bureau, has been selected to head India’s premier internal intelligence agency.
The Intelligence Bureau plays a crucial role in safeguarding national security by collecting intelligence, monitoring internal security threats, countering terrorism, and supporting law enforcement agencies across the country.
Who is Mahesh Dixit?
Mahesh Dixit is a 1993-batch IPS officer from the Andhra Pradesh cadre. Before his appointment as Director, he served as the Special Director of the Intelligence Bureau, where he handled several key intelligence operations.
Interestingly, Dixit is also a qualified medical doctor, bringing a unique academic background to India’s top intelligence position.
During his nearly three-decade-long career, he has worked extensively in sensitive regions and handled critical national security assignments.
Distinguished Career in Intelligence
Mahesh Dixit has served in several important positions within the Intelligence Bureau. His experience includes managing intelligence operations in:
- Northeast India
- Ladakh
- Anti-Naxal operations
- Jammu and Kashmir
One of his notable assignments was heading the Subsidiary Intelligence Bureau (SIB) in Srinagar, where he played an important role in maintaining security and stability following the abrogation of Article 370.
He also supervised intelligence operations that led to the dismantling of a major white-collar terror network in Srinagar after acting on intelligence inputs developed in coordination with local police.
His extensive operational experience and expertise in internal security made him a strong choice for the country’s top intelligence post.
Tapan Kumar Deka Completes His Tenure
Mahesh Dixit succeeds Tapan Kumar Deka, a 1988-batch IPS officer of the Himachal Pradesh cadre, who has served as the Director of the Intelligence Bureau since June 2022.
During his tenure, Deka received service extensions in 2024 and 2025 under provisions that allow the government to extend the service of chiefs of key intelligence agencies in the public interest.
Recognized as an experienced intelligence officer, Deka played a significant role in counter-terrorism operations, particularly in Jammu & Kashmir and the Northeast. He was also involved in directing counter-assault operations during the 2008 Mumbai terror attacks (26/11) and led operations against the Indian Mujahideen, one of India’s most active terrorist organizations during the 2000s.
Importance of the Intelligence Bureau
The Intelligence Bureau (IB) is India’s oldest internal intelligence agency and functions under the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA). It is responsible for gathering domestic intelligence, counter-intelligence, counter-terrorism operations, and monitoring threats to national security.
The Director of the Intelligence Bureau is one of the country’s most important security officials and plays a vital role in coordinating intelligence efforts among central and state agencies.
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