The NSA for India, Ajit Doval, was born on January 20, 1945, and reports to Prime Minister Narendra Modi.One of his many accomplishments as an officer is leading the Intelligence Bureau (IB). He is a Kerala cadre member of the Indian Police Service (IPS).
Before becoming the IB director from 2004 to 2005, Ajit Kumar Doval oversaw its operations department for seven years. His remarkable career also encompasses a year of undercover espionage for the IB in Pakistan, followed by six years as an officer at the Indian High Commission in Islamabad. A significant portion of his professional life has been dedicated to intelligence work within the IB.
Ajit Doval’s achievements in the realm of intelligence and security include notable operations such as Operation Black Thunder in 1988, the successful rescue of 46 Indian nationals in Iraq, operations against Nagaland militants alongside the Indian army in 2015, the surgical strike on Pakistan in 2016, and various efforts to thwart terrorist organizations, including the PFI.
Before assuming his role as NSA, he founded the Vivekananda International Foundation (VIF), a think tank with a right-of-center orientation, in December 2009.
Ajit Doval Biography Overview:
| Name | Ajit Doval |
| Date of Birth | 20 January 1945 |
| Place of Birth | Ghiri Banelsyun Village in Pauri Garhwal, Uttarakhand |
| Age | 78 years |
| Height | 1.63 meters (5 feet 5 inches) |
| Education | University of Agra |
| Current Position | National Security Advisor (NSA) of India |
| Wife | Anu Doval |
Physical Characteristics & Additional Information
Height:
- Centimeters: 163 cm
- Meters: 1.63 m
- Feet & Inches: 5 feet 4 inches
Weight:
- Kilograms: 70 kg
- Pounds: 154 lbs
Eye Color: Black
Hair Color: Black
Ajit Doval Education
At the famed Ajmer Military School in Ajmer, Rajasthan, he finished his early education, laying the groundwork for his future pursuits. When he received his master’s in economics from Agra University in 1967, his academic career faced a critical turning point.
A Stalwart IPS Officer’s Journey through Anti-Insurgency Triumphs to Diplomatic Acumen
Commencing his law enforcement journey in 1968, Ajit Kumar Doval embarked on his professional voyage as an IPS Officer within the Kerala Cadre. His indelible contributions manifested during pivotal anti-insurgency operations in Punjab and Mizoram. In 1999, Doval’s instrumental role emerged in negotiating the release of IC-814 hostages in Kandahar, Afghanistan, under Taliban control. The hostage crisis concluded with India releasing three militants – Mushtaq Ahmed Zargar, Ahmed Omer Saeed Sheikh, and Maulana Masood Azhar.
Mastermind Strategist Behind Foiling 15 Indian Airlines Hijackings and Pioneering Intelligence Reforms
Noteworthy is Doval’s involvement in successfully thwarting all 15 hijackings of Indian Airlines aircraft between 1971 and 1999.
Before becoming the Director of the Intelligence Bureau (IB) in 2004–2005, Ajit Doval managed the Operations Wing of the IB for more than 10 years. He established the Multi-Agency Centre (MAC) and presided over both the Joint Task Force on Intelligence (JTFI) and MAC.
Ajit Doval: From Solving Big Insurgency Issues to Rescuing Abducted Diplomats
A pivotal figure in the ‘Mizo National Front insurgency,’ Doval’s adeptness facilitated the conversion of six out of seven commanders under Laldenga’s sway. He traversed substantial ground in Burma and Chinese territory, contributing to the integration of Sikkim into India.
Doval’s legacy encompasses the rescue of Liviu Radu, a Romanian Diplomat abducted by the ‘Khalistan Liberation Force’ (KLF). This response was prompted by the apprehension of KLF members implicated in the attempted assassination of then Indian ambassador to Romania, Julio Francis Ribeiro. Notably, Doval led ‘Operation Black Thunder’ in Punjab.
The Spy Who Worked in Pakistan and Helped Shape Kashmir’s Future
For seven years, Doval covertly operated within Pakistan, assuming a Muslim identity and covertly transmitting vital intelligence to India. His presence in Kashmir in 1990 yielded pivotal results, persuading figures like Kuka Parray to assume counter-insurgent roles, which laid the groundwork for the 1996 State Election in Jammu and Kashmir.
Post his Jammu and Kashmir tenure, he held a ministerial role in the Indian High Commission in London. Retiring from his Directorship of Intelligence Bureau in January 2005, he continued to be actively engaged in matters pertaining to India’s national security. The Vivekananda International Foundation was his brainchild, established in December 2009.
On 30 May 2014, Doval ascended to the position of India’s 5th National Security Advisor. He orchestrated the secure repatriation of 46 Indian nurses stranded in Tikrit, Iraq. Flying to Iraq on 25 June 2014 for talks with high-ranking Iraqi officials, the nurses were safely returned by 5 July 2014. Collaborating with Army Chief General Dalbir Singh Suhag, Doval also led a military operation against insurgents operating in Myanmar.
He was elevated in status when, in October 2018, he took over as leader of the Strategic Policy Group (SPG), the bottom tier of the National Security Council’s three-tier security architecture.
Ajit Doval, India’s National Security Advisor (NSA),
In May 2014, Ajit Doval was chosen by Prime Minister Narendra Modi to be India’s national security advisor. In order to create security plans, collaborate with intelligence organizations, and provide the government with national security advice, Doval is crucial. He has played a significant role in determining India’s response to many security issues, such as global terrorism, cyberthreats, and geopolitical conflicts.
India has increased its counterterrorism measures under Doval’s leadership, including both diplomatic and military tactics. In reaction to terrorist assaults on Indian territory, he played a key role in the planning and execution of surgical strikes by the Indian Army.
Awards and Honors
- In December 2017, Dr. Bhimrao Ambedkar University (formerly Agra University) awarded him an honorary doctorate. He also earned honorary doctorates from Amity University in November 2018 and Kumaun University in May 2018 in recognition of his accomplishments.
- After serving the police force for six years with dedication, Doval made history by being the force’s youngest-ever officer to be awarded the Police Medal for exemplary service.
- In acknowledgment of his remarkable work in law enforcement, he was received further distinction when presented with the renowned President’s Police Medal.
- In a historic moment, in 1988, Doval was conferred with one of the highest gallantry awards, the Kirti Chakra, breaking new ground as the first police officer to receive this distinguished medal, previously reserved exclusively for military personnel.
Family Overview & Financial Status of Ajit Doval
Ajit Doval is a private individual who values his personal privacy. He is in a marital relationship with Anu Doval, and together, they are blessed with two sons. Despite the demanding nature of his professional commitments, Doval has successfully maintained a harmonious equilibrium between his family life and his responsibilities as the National Security Advisor (NSA).
Ajit Doval Salary
While specific details regarding Ajit Doval’s Salar are not publicly disclosed, it is widely acknowledged that his illustrious and lengthy career within the Indian Intelligence Services has bestowed upon him a substantial financial standing. Nevertheless, it’s essential to underline that Doval’s foremost dedication has always been towards serving his nation rather than accumulating personal wealth.
Facts about Ajit Doval
- He holds the distinction of being the youngest police officer ever to receive the Police Medal, a recognition typically earned after around fifteen years of service.
- During his covert mission in Pakistan, living undercover as a Muslim, an elderly man initially mistook him for a Hindu due to a pierced ear. Doval initially denied this but eventually confirmed his true identity. This man, who turned out to be a Hindu living in disguise after losing his family to religious violence, welcomed Doval into his home and showed him a Lord Shiva idol.
- Following his retirement in January 2005, He became a prolific writer, contributing editorials to national newspapers and journals. He also became a respected lecturer on national security at prestigious institutions and a speaker at international events.
- In a remarkable operation in 1988 known as Operation Black Thunder, Doval assumed the role of a rickshaw puller to infiltrate the Golden Temple. He successfully gathered vital intelligence and managed to convince the militants that he was an ISI operative.
Conclusion
From a small hamlet in Uttarakhand to the prestigious post of India’s National Security Advisor, Ajit Doval’s extraordinary path is a constant source of inspiration. His outstanding brain, powerful powers, strategic insight, and unshakable loyalty to the nation have left an imprint on India’s security system that can never be erased. His significant contributions to counterterrorism operations and the formulation of national security strategy have garnered him a great lot of praise both locally and abroad. Ajit Doval continues to be essential in upholding India’s security and protecting its interests in a world that is becoming more complicated.
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