Multi-Agency Centre
The Multi-Agency Centre was formed in December 2001 following the Kargil war and the subsequent overhaul of the Indian national security apparatus suggested by the Kargil Review Committee report and GoM report. Accordingly, the Intelligence Bureau was authorized to create a multi-agency centre 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. The state offices have been designated as subsidiary MACs. In 2014 there were 374 MAC-SMAC sites across India.
As noted in a 2016 parliamentary report the major contributors of intelligence inputs to the MAC were the Defence Intelligence Agency, National Investigation Agency and the Research and Analysis Wing. Zabiuddin Ansari and Fasih Mohammed have been some of the catches by the MAC. In 2012, B Raman noted that the Indian model of the MAC had continued functioning being modelled on US Counterterrorism Center. The Multi-Agency Centre has been upgraded at a cost of Rs 500 crore and inaugurated by Amit Shah in May 2025. 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 services.
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.
Multi Agency Centre has always been headed by a senior IPS officer serving as the Additional 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.