New Delhi: Former Foreign Secretary J N Dixit today (May 27, 2004) took charge as the new National Security Advisor in the Prime Ministers' office.

Dixit drove to South Block in his Toyota Corolla car to assume office, which was held by Brajesh Mishra in the previous Vajpayee Government.

He did not interact with the waiting reporters outside South Block but gave an opportunity for photographs.

Dixit was appointed the National Security Advisor in the Prime Ministers' Office yesterday (May 26, 2004) for three years. He would enjoy the rank of Minister of State.

Dixit, who had held several key positions while in the Foreign Service, including High Commissioner to Pakistan and Sri Lanka, was instrumental in formulating the Congress agenda on Defence, security and foreign policy matters before the Lok Sabha elections.

He is the vice-chairman of the Foreign Affairs Department of the All India Congress Committee. Mishra resigned soon after Manmohan Singh Government assumed office last Saturday (May 22, 2004).