Multi-Agency Centre
Coordinating centre under IB
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The Multi-Agency Centre (MAC) was formed in December 2001[1] following the Kargil war and the subsequent overhaul of the Indian national security apparatus suggested by the Kargil Review Committee report and GoM report.[2][3][4] Accordingly, the Intelligence Bureau (IB) was authorized to create a multi-agency centre (MAC) in New Delhi. Now functioning 24/7 as the nodal body for sharing intelligence inputs, MAC coordinates with representatives from numerous agencies, different ministries, both central and state.[5][6][7] The state offices have been designated as subsidiary MACs (SMACs).[5] In 2014 there were 374 MAC-SMAC sites across India.[8]
As noted in a 2016 parliamentary report the major contributors of intelligence inputs to the MAC were the Defence Intelligence Agency (DIA), National Investigation Agency and the Research and Analysis Wing (R&AW).[5] Zabiuddin Ansari and Fasih Mohammed have been some of the catches by the MAC.[6] In 2012, B Raman noted that the Indian model of the MAC had continued functioning being modelled on US Counterterrorism Center.[3] The Multi-Agency Centre has been upgraded at a cost of Rs 500 crore and inaugurated by Amit Shah in May 2025.[9] It incorporates futuristic capabilities such as embedded artificial intelligence and machine learning techniques to harness the potential of the vast database with MAC and Geographic Information System (GIS) services.[10]
In October 2025, a Special Task Force was created under the Multi Agency Centre including officers from both IB and CBI for extradition of fugitives.[11] Multi Agency Centre has always been headed by a senior IPS officer serving as the Additional Director (or Joint Director) in the Intelligence Bureau, a rank equivalent to an Additional DGP in Police or a 3-star Lt. General in the Armed Forces. Notably, Shri Ajit Doval was the first Chief of MAC during 2001-04, before being appointed as the Director of Intelligence Bureau.