School of Conflict and Security Studies

Manikranth Chakravarthula is a doctoral student at the Conflict Resolution and Peace Research Programme, School of Conflict and Security Studies, National Institute of Advanced Studies, Bengaluru. He holds a Master’s degree in Conflict Analysis and Peacebuilding from Jamia Millia Islamia, New Delhi, and a Bachelor’s degree in Political Science and History from Hindu College, University of Delhi. His research interests centre on political violence and peacebuilding in South Asia, with a focus on Indian approaches, state responses, and the role of civil society in negotiating state-society relations in conflict and post-conflict contexts

Shri Rajinder Khanna has served for 46 years with the Government of India.  Initially, as an IPS officer in Orissa, thereafter as an Intelligence Officer in Research and Analysis Wing (R&AW) and in his last 8 years in the apex body of national security.

Academic Background: After graduating with Honours in Economics from Hans Raj College, Delhi University, Shri Rajinder Khanna did his Master’s in Business Administration (MBA) from the Faculty of Management Studies, Delhi University in 1978.

Professional Career: Shri Khanna preferred a career in the civil services over joining the private sector and on the basis of a Civil Services examination in 1977, joined the Indian Police Service (IPS) in 1978.
During the Foundation Course at the Lal Bahadur Shastri Academy of Administration (LBSAA), Mussoorie, Shri Khanna was awarded the Director’s Silver Medal for securing the highest marks in Economics.
On completion of basic training, Shri Khanna was allotted to the Orissa Cadre.  From 1979 to 1985, he held several important posts including Superintendent of Police, Puri and Superintendent of Police, Ganjam.  As Superintendent of Police of Puri Shri Khanna received a number of commendations from the Chief Minister for eradicating dacoity in the district. 
Shri Khanna came on secondment to R&AW in November 1985. In his initial years, he dealt from both within the country and outside, security issues related to our neighbourhood.  In the process, he developed an expertise in counter insurgency and counter terrorism. Shri Khanna was appointed as Secretary R&AW (Chief of R&AW) in December 2014 and headed the organization for a period of two years.  
Shri Khanna did a year’s stint in the National Security Council Secretariat (NSCS) as Officer on Special Duty (Neighboring Countries).  In January, 2018 he was appointed as Deputy NSA with the specific responsibility of enhancing the country’s intelligence by the use of technology.  On July 3, 2024 he was elevated to the rank of Additional NSA. He relinquished the charge of Additional NSA on October 3, 2024.