The Centre on Wednesday appointed new chiefs of Intelligence Bureau (IB) and Research and Analysis Wing (RAW). While Arvind Kumar, an expert on the Kashmir and Naxal issues, will head the IB for next two years, Samant Kumar Goel has been made the chief of RAW for a fixed two-year tenure.

The new RAW chief is considered an expert on Pakistan and played a key role in the planning of Balakot airstrikes carried out by Indian Air Force in February following the Pulwama attack.

Their appointments were approved by the Appointments Committee of the Cabinet, headed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, an order issued by the Personnel Ministry said.

Kumar will take the reins of the internal intelligence agency from Rajiv Jain on completion of his tenure on June 30. Goel will take charge from Anil K Dhasmana on completion of his tenure Saturday.

Both Jain and Dhasmana, who were appointed for a two-year fixed tenure in 2016, were given six months extension in December last year.

Who is Samant Kumar Goel

Goel, a 1984 batch IPS officer of Punjab cadre, is at present the Special Secretary in the RAW. He is said to be instrumental in planning the Balakot air strike after the Pulwama terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir and surgical strikes in Uri.

On September 29, 2016, the Indian Army had carried out surgical strikes on seven terrorist launch pads across the Line of Control as a response to an attack on its base in Uri earlier that month.

Goel possesses rich experience in intelligence and operations.

He has also looked after the Punjab chief minister's security during 2000 and 2001, besides holding other important posts both at his state cadre and at the Centre.

He is considered an expert on issues relating to the Punjab militancy and Pakistan, and has played an important role in checking militancy in Punjab during 1990s. He has served most part of his service in Punjab.

Goel, a recipient of the Police Medal for Gallantry and Police Medal for Meritorious Service, joined the RAW in March 2001.

(With PTI inputs)