Intel chief Tapan Deka set for third term extension
The government is likely to grant Intelligence Bureau Director Tapan Kumar Deka a third extension in service. If approved by the ACC, he will become the longest-serving chief of the agency.
Intelligence Bureau (IB) Director Tapan Kumar Deka is likely to receive a third extension in service, government sources said, a move that would make him the longest-serving chief of India's premier internal intelligence agency if approved by the Appointments Committee of the Cabinet (ACC).
A 1988-batch IPS officer of the Himachal Pradesh cadre, Deka has been serving as the Director of the Intelligence Bureau since June 2022. His tenure has already been extended twice by the Centre, first in June 2024 and again in June 2025, with each extension granted for a period of one year.
Officials familiar with the matter said the government is considering another extension in view of the evolving security landscape and Deka's experience in handling key national security challenges. During his tenure, the Intelligence Bureau has played a significant role in counter-terrorism operations, counter-insurgency efforts in the Northeast, and strengthening border security mechanisms.
DEKA OVERSAW INITIATIVES ON INFILTRATION, DISMANTLING TERROR MODULES
Sources noted that Deka has overseen several initiatives aimed at curbing illegal infiltration from Bangladesh, dismantling terror modules and enhancing coordination among intelligence and security agencies. His tenure has also coincided with efforts to improve intelligence-sharing and surveillance capabilities across sensitive regions.
The proposed extension comes at a time when the country is facing a range of emerging security challenges, including cyber threats, drone-based incursions, cross-border radicalisation and the use of technology by extremist networks. Security experts believe continuity in leadership could help the agency address these evolving threats more effectively.
The formal order is expected after approval from the ACC. If cleared, Deka will surpass all previous Intelligence Bureau directors in terms of tenure at the helm of the organisation, marking a rare instance of three consecutive extensions for the head of one of India's most important intelligence agencies.
Intelligence Bureau (IB) Director Tapan Kumar Deka is likely to receive a third extension in service, government sources said, a move that would make him the longest-serving chief of India's premier internal intelligence agency if approved by the Appointments Committee of the Cabinet (ACC).
A 1988-batch IPS officer of the Himachal Pradesh cadre, Deka has been serving as the Director of the Intelligence Bureau since June 2022. His tenure has already been extended twice by the Centre, first in June 2024 and again in June 2025, with each extension granted for a period of one year.
Officials familiar with the matter said the government is considering another extension in view of the evolving security landscape and Deka's experience in handling key national security challenges. During his tenure, the Intelligence Bureau has played a significant role in counter-terrorism operations, counter-insurgency efforts in the Northeast, and strengthening border security mechanisms.
DEKA OVERSAW INITIATIVES ON INFILTRATION, DISMANTLING TERROR MODULES
Sources noted that Deka has overseen several initiatives aimed at curbing illegal infiltration from Bangladesh, dismantling terror modules and enhancing coordination among intelligence and security agencies. His tenure has also coincided with efforts to improve intelligence-sharing and surveillance capabilities across sensitive regions.
The proposed extension comes at a time when the country is facing a range of emerging security challenges, including cyber threats, drone-based incursions, cross-border radicalisation and the use of technology by extremist networks. Security experts believe continuity in leadership could help the agency address these evolving threats more effectively.
The formal order is expected after approval from the ACC. If cleared, Deka will surpass all previous Intelligence Bureau directors in terms of tenure at the helm of the organisation, marking a rare instance of three consecutive extensions for the head of one of India's most important intelligence agencies.
