Ajit Doval: The Life Journey of India’s National Security Architect & National Security Advisor

Ajit Doval: The Life Journey of India’s National Security Architect

The man who has had the strongest and most visible influence on India’s security policies and strategic decisions over the last two decades is Ajit Doval. His journey from a highly talented intelligence officer to the National Security Advisor is not only inspiring but also an example of patriotism, intelligence and boldness.

Early Life and Education

Ajit Doval was born on 20 January 1945 in Ghiri Banelasyun village in Pauri Garhwal district of Uttarakhand. His family was a traditional Garhwali Brahmin family. His father Major G.N. Doval was an officer in the Indian Army, whose love for discipline and patriotism also influenced Ajit Doval.

He received his schooling from the Military School (formerly King George’s Royal Indian Military School) located in Ajmer, Rajasthan. Due to his passion for education, he obtained an MA degree in Economics from Agra University in 1967.

Entry into Police and Intelligence Services

Beginning of IPS Career

Ajit Doval joined the Indian Police Service (IPS) in 1968. He was appointed to the Kerala cadre and began his career as Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) in Kottayam district.

But his real identity was in the intelligence services when he joined the Intelligence Bureau (IB) a few years later.

Important Intelligence Missions and Achievements

Between 1971 and 1999, he played a key role in solving all 15 hijacking cases of Indian Airlines.

During Operation Black Thunder in 1988, he entered the Golden Temple in disguise and monitored the activities of Khalistani militants. His bold action helped the Indian security forces take decisive action.

He also played a leading role in dealing with the merger of Sikkim with India, North-East insurgency, and terrorism in Kashmir.

Ajit Doval was part of the Indian negotiating team when the IC-814 plane was hijacked in 1999 and taken to Kandahar (Afghanistan). His experience was very useful in handling this crisis.

Later, he was also the Director of the Intelligence Bureau between 2004-2005.

Post-retirement role (2005–2014)

Establishment of Vivekananda International Foundation

Even after retirement in 2005, Doval did not distance himself from public life. In 2009, he founded the “Vivekananda International Foundation (VIF)“, a prestigious policy-making think tank. Through this, he worked to give direction to the government and society on defense policy, foreign policy and internal security.

During this time, he also prepared reports on topics like “black money“, “foreign tax havens” and “security policy“, which later became a part of political discourse.

Role as National Security Advisor (NSA)

First term (2014–2019)

On 30 May 2014, Ajit Doval was appointed as the National Security Advisor (NSA) by the government of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

His strategy and personal contacts played a major role in the safe return of 46 Indian nurses from Iraq.

The surgical strike in Myanmar in 2015, in which he along with the Army Chief planned the cross-border action against the NSCN-K militants.

His direction came to the fore in all matters like the Pathankot airbase attack, the Doklam standoff, and the 2016 surgical strike.

Second term (2019–2024)

In 2019, he was again appointed as the NSA, this time he also got the status of a Cabinet Minister.

He had a major contribution in the strategy of the 2019 Pulwama attack and Balakot air strike.

He negotiated with the US for the release of Abhinandan Varthaman.

He is considered to have played an important role in the strategic plan to remove Article 370 from Jammu and Kashmir.

During the North East Delhi riots, he himself went to the streets to take stock of the situation.

Through diplomatic dialogue with Myanmar, he succeeded in bringing 22 militants to India.

Third term (2024 to present)

On 13 June 2024, he was appointed NSA for the third time for five years, making him India’s longest-serving National Security Advisor.

2025: Operation Sindoor

After the Pahalgam terror attack in 2025, Doval led Operation Sindoor – a mission in which precision airstrikes were carried out on terrorist camps in Pakistan and PoK. The operation was described as “measured and non-provocative” to prevent the possibility of a full-blown war.

Honours and Awards

Awards/Titles                 Year                    Special Note

Kirti Chakra                  1988                          Became the first police officer to receive this military honour.

Police Medal       (at a young age)                Unknown Youngest officer to receive this medal.

President’s Police Medal Unknown For outstanding service.

Doctorate (Honorary) – Ambedkar University 2017          In recognition.

Doctorate (Honorary) – Kumaun University 2018

Doctorate (Honorary) – Amity University 2018

Summary table of major life achievements

Year                                                      Event Details

1968                                                 Appointed in IPS in Kerala cadre.

1988                                                Operation Black Thunder Intelligence infiltration in Golden Temple.

1999                                                Part of the team that rescued hostages in Kandahar plane hijacking.

2009                                               Vivekananda International Foundation established as a think tank

2014                                               NSA appointment for the first time in Modi government.

2015                                               Myanmar surgical strike operation against terrorists.

2019                                               Balakot airstrike in response to Pulwama.

2024                                              NSA appointment for the third time becoming the longest serving NSA.

2025                                             Operation Sindoor Airstrikes on terrorist camps in Pakistan and PoK.

Ajit Doval’s life is an example of a patriotic warrior, strategist, and a quiet astute intellectual. He has taken the Indian intelligence system and strategic policy-making to a new height. Currently, when India is increasing its stature on the global stage, the role of a determined leader like Ajit Doval becomes even more important.

His story tells that true patriotism is not only in fighting on the border, but also in precise planning, silent service, and the ability to take risks.

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