Ajit Doval, a pivotal figure in Indian security and intelligence, currently serves as the National Security Advisor (NSA) to the Prime Minister of India. With a career spanning several decades, Doval has played a crucial role in shaping India’s security policies and strategies. Here’s an in-depth look at his life, career, and contributions.
Early Life and Education
- Birth: Ajit Kumar Doval was born on January 20, 1945, in Ghiri Banelsyun, Pauri Garhwal, in the erstwhile United Provinces (now Uttarakhand).
- Education: He graduated with a Master’s degree in Economics from the University of Agra in 1967.
Career in Intelligence
- Indian Police Service (IPS): Doval joined the IPS in 1968 in the Kerala cadre.
- Intelligence Bureau (IB): He spent most of his career in the Intelligence Bureau, where he was actively involved in anti-insurgency operations in Mizoram, Punjab, and Kashmir.
Notable Operations and Achievements
- Mizoram Peace Accord: Doval played a key role in persuading insurgent leader Laldenga to accept a settlement, leading to the Mizoram Peace Accord in 1986.
- Operation Black Thunder: In 1988, he was instrumental in the success of Operation Black Thunder in Punjab, which aimed to flush out militants from the Golden Temple.
- Kashmir Operations: Doval operated undercover in Pakistan for seven years, gathering crucial intelligence and contributing to India’s counter-terrorism efforts in Kashmir.
Role as National Security Advisor
- Appointment: Ajit Doval was appointed as the National Security Advisor in May 2014, following the election of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
- Doctrine: Doval is known for the “Doval Doctrine,” which emphasizes proactive defense and intelligence-driven counter-terrorism measures.
- Surgical Strikes: He played a key role in the planning and execution of the 2016 surgical strikes across the Line of Control (LoC) in response to terrorist attacks in Uri.
- Balakot Airstrike: Doval was also a key strategist behind the 2019 Balakot airstrike, which targeted a terrorist training camp in Pakistan following the Pulwama attack.
Contributions to National Security Policy
- Policy Formulation: As NSA, Doval has been instrumental in formulating and implementing national security policies, focusing on counter-terrorism, cyber security, and intelligence reform.
- Strategic Partnerships: He has strengthened India’s strategic partnerships with key global players, enhancing India’s security landscape.
Awards and Recognition
- Kirti Chakra: In 1988, Ajit Doval became the youngest police officer to receive the Kirti Chakra, a military honor typically awarded to armed forces personnel.
From a Stoic perspective, Ajit Doval’s career reflects the virtues of courage, wisdom, and resilience. His ability to remain calm under pressure and make strategic decisions aligns with the Stoic principles of rational thinking and emotional control. Doval’s commitment to national security, despite the risks and challenges, exemplifies the Stoic ideal of duty and service to the greater good.
Conclusion
Ajit Doval’s contributions to Indian intelligence and national security are profound and far-reaching. His strategic acumen, coupled with his extensive field experience, has significantly shaped India’s approach to counter-terrorism and defense. As the National Security Advisor, Doval continues to play a crucial role in safeguarding India’s interests and ensuring its security in an increasingly complex global landscape.