The Centre has appointed Mahesh Dixit as the next Director of the Intelligence Bureau (IB) for a two-year term, according to reports from various news agencies. The Appointments Committee of the Cabinet (ACC), chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has approved his appointment on Thursday, June 25, 2026. Dixit will succeed incumbent IB Director Tapan Kumar Deka, whose second extended term is set to end on June 30. As reported by PTI, the government has granted him an extension in service under the provisions of Fundamental Rule (FR) 56(d) and Rule 16(1A) of the All India Services (Death-cum-Retirement Benefits) Rules, 1958, enabling him to serve in the top intelligence post until August 2027. The appointment was formally announced on Thursday, with the Centre entrusting one of the country's most experienced intelligence professionals with heading the country's oldest and most important internal intelligence agency.
Mahesh Dixit is a 1993-batch IPS officer of the Andhra Pradesh cadre and currently serves as the Special Director of the IB, making him the agency's second-highest-ranking officer. According to NDTV, he has extensive experience in intelligence operations and previously headed the Subsidiary Intelligence Bureau (SIB) in Jammu and Kashmir, a key assignment given the region's security environment. During his tenure in Jammu and Kashmir, he gained significant experience in counter-terrorism operations and played a key role in maintaining law and order in the Union Territory following the abrogation of Article 370. A qualified medical doctor who later joined the police service, Dixit brings extensive operational and intelligence experience in handling internal security challenges. He was transferred to the IB headquarters last year and promoted to Special Director, becoming the agency's second-in-command in a move that was widely viewed as preparing him to take over its top post. As per ANI, Dixit is a seasoned intelligence officer with decades of experience in intelligence gathering, counter-terrorism, internal security and intelligence operations. He is widely regarded within security circles as one of the key architects behind several sensitive intelligence operations undertaken by the government in recent years.
Dixit has handled regional security threats through assignments covering the Northeast, Ladakh and anti-Naxal operations, according to Hindustan Times. During his tenure in Jammu and Kashmir, he gained significant experience in counter-terrorism operations and played a crucial role in the lead-up to the abrogation of Article 370 in August 2019. As per NDTV, he played an important role in assessing the security implications of the historic move and helped formulate strategies to maintain law and order during the transition period. Following the reorganisation of the former state into the Union Territories of Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh, Dixit was entrusted with critical intelligence responsibilities in the region. Officials credit him with helping restore public confidence during a politically sensitive phase while ensuring that security challenges posed by terrorism and separatist elements were effectively addressed. During his tenure overseeing key intelligence responsibilities in Jammu and Kashmir, Srinagar successfully hosted the G20 Tourism Working Group meeting in 2023, an event that drew significant international attention and participation. The smooth conduct of the summit was viewed as a major milestone in showcasing the region's improving security environment. During the same period, several foreign diplomatic delegations visited Kashmir, reflecting growing international engagement with the region. Dixit also played an important role in providing accurate assessments of ground realities and evolving conditions, helping facilitate greater diplomatic outreach and confidence in the changing situation on the ground.
According to an official order issued by the Ministry of Personnel, Dixit has been appointed Director of the Intelligence Bureau for a period of two years from the date he assumes charge of the post or until further orders, whichever is earlier. As reported by PTI, the government has granted him an extension in service under the provisions of Fundamental Rule (FR) 56(d) and Rule 16(1A) of the All India Services (Death-cum-Retirement Benefits) Rules, 1958, enabling him to serve in the top intelligence post. Outgoing Director Tapan Deka, from the 1988 Himachal Pradesh IPS batch, became IB Director in July 2022. His term was extended twice to keep things steady during tough security times, underscoring the government's emphasis on continuity in the intelligence establishment. During his tenure, the IB intensified its efforts in counter-terrorism, intelligence coordination and addressing emerging security challenges. With Dixit's appointment, the government has entrusted an experienced intelligence hand with the responsibility of heading the country's oldest and most important internal intelligence agency. His elevation is being seen as a continuation of the government's emphasis on experienced intelligence leadership to navigate an increasingly complex security environment.
