The Stimson Center announced today that Joshua T. White, Senior Associate and Co-Director of the South Asia program, is taking leave from the Center to join the National Security Council staff as Senior Advisor and Director for South Asian Affairs. He joins former Stimson board member Peter R. Lavoy, who has been appointed as the Senior Director for South Asian Affairs.

“We wish Josh well at the White House and look forward to our future work together on this critical region of the world,” said Stimson Co-Founder Michael Krepon.

Before joining Stimson, White served as Senior Advisor for Asian and Pacific Security Affairs in the Office of the Secretary of Defense, a position he held in conjunction with an International Affairs Fellowship from the Council on Foreign Relations. While at the Pentagon, he covered a wide range of defense issues related to India, Pakistan, Afghanistan, and the department’s rebalance to the Asia-Pacific.

“It has been a tremendous honor to work with Michael and the entire Stimson team,” said Joshua T. White. “I consider it a privilege to take up these issues at the NSC at a time when U.S. engagement in South Asia is as important as it has ever been.”

Stimson is accepting applications for the Deputy Director of the South Asia program. Interested applicants can learn more about the position here.

The Stimson Center is a nonprofit, nonpartisan institution devoted to enhancing international peace and security through a unique combination of rigorous analysis and outreach. Founded in 1989, Stimson is celebrating a quarter-century of building effective security solutions through pragmatic research and innovative analysis.