Ajit Doval

Doval was born in 1945 in Ghiri Banelsyun village in Pauri Garhwal in the erstwhile United Provinces, now in Uttarakhand.{{Cite web |last=News |first=India TV |title=Profile of Ajit Doval |url=https://www.indiatvnews.com/profile/ajit-doval/news/637 |access-date=14 April 2025 |website=India TV News |language=en}} Doval's father, Major G. N. Doval, was an officer in the Indian Army. {{Cite web|date=21 December 2016|title=Top positions in country's security establishments helmed by men from Uttarakhand|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com//city/dehradun/top-positions-in-countrys-security-establishments-helmed-by-men-from-ukhand/articleshow/56056880.cms?|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161221184712/http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com//city/dehradun/top-positions-in-countrys-security-establishments-helmed-by-men-from-ukhand/articleshow/56056880.cms|archive-date=21 December 2016|access-date=20 March 2018|url-status=live|website=The Times of India}}

He received his early education at the Ajmer Military School in Ajmer, Rajasthan.{{Cite web |title=Rashtriya Military School Ajmer. |url=https://www.rashtriyamilitaryschoolajmer.in/sctb.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220131095857/https://www.rashtriyamilitaryschoolajmer.in/sctb.html |archive-date=31 January 2022 |access-date=31 January 2022 |website=www.rashtriyamilitaryschoolajmer.in}} He graduated with a master's degree in economics from the Agra University in 1967.{{Cite web|date=30 August 2017|title=Ajit Doval: The most powerful person in India after PM Modi|url=http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/slideshows/people/ajit-doval-the-most-powerful-person-in-india-after-pm-modi/dobal-magic/slideshow/54405118.cms|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170827020355/http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/slideshows/people/ajit-doval-the-most-powerful-person-in-india-after-pm-modi/dobal-magic/slideshow/54405118.cms|archive-date=27 August 2017|access-date=24 August 2017|website=The Economic Times}}

Doval joined the Indian Police Service (IPS) in 1968 in the Kerala cadre as the Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) of Kottayam district.{{Cite web|last=Paul|first=Cithara|date=27 February 2020|title=How Ajit Doval, the Centre's man Friday, suppressed a riot in Kerala in 1972|url=https://www.theweek.in/news/india/2020/02/27/how-ajit-doval-the-centres-man-friday-suppressed-a-riot-in-kerala-in-1972.html|access-date=5 September 2021|website=The Week|archive-date=21 September 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210921203441/https://www.theweek.in/news/india/2020/02/27/how-ajit-doval-the-centres-man-friday-suppressed-a-riot-in-kerala-in-1972.html|url-status=live}}{{Cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=WR1eDwAAQBAJ&q=AJITH+DOVAL+KOTTAYAM+ASP&pg=PT137|title = Kannur: Inside India's Bloodiest Revenge Politics|isbn = 9789353051051|last1 = Ullekh|first1 = N. P.|date = 19 June 2018| publisher=Penguin Random House India Private Limited }}{{Cite web |date=20 January 2022 |title=Ajit Doval Birthday: The Brain Behind Surgical Strikes And Man of Many Firsts |url=https://www.india.com/news/india/nsa-ajit-doval-birthday-know-all-about-the-surgical-strike-mastermind-who-spent-7-years-in-pak-as-indian-spy-james-bond-of-india-5194981/ |access-date=24 January 2023 |website=India.com |language=en |archive-date=24 January 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230124122047/https://www.india.com/news/india/nsa-ajit-doval-birthday-know-all-about-the-surgical-strike-mastermind-who-spent-7-years-in-pak-as-indian-spy-james-bond-of-india-5194981/ |url-status=live }}{{Cite web|last=Rao|first=Srinath|date=5 August 2015|title=NSA Ajit Doval underlines use of power: India should stop punching below its weight|url=https://indianexpress.com/article/india/india-others/ajit-doval-underlines-use-of-power-india-should-stop-punching-below-its-weight/|access-date=5 September 2021|website=The Indian Express|archive-date=17 September 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210917112642/https://indianexpress.com/article/india/india-others/ajit-doval-underlines-use-of-power-india-should-stop-punching-below-its-weight/|url-status=live}}

Doval worked in Thalassery, Kerala, for a few months in 1972, before joining the central service.{{Cite web|last=Sudhakaran|first=P|date=1 October 2016|title=James Bond: How 'Indian James Bond' Ajit Doval had managed riot-hit Thalassery|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/How-Indian-James-Bond-Ajit-Doval-had-managed-riot-hit-Thalassery/articleshow/54624704.cms|access-date=5 September 2021|website=The Times of India|archive-date=19 November 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211119185245/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/how-indian-james-bond-ajit-doval-had-managed-riot-hit-thalassery/articleshow/54624704.cms|url-status=live}} He has the experience of being involved in the termination of all 15 hijackings of Indian Airlines aircraft from 1971 to 1999.{{Cite book|last=Sharma|first=Anil|title=IA's Terror Trail|publisher=Shehna Books|others=Ajit K Doval (Foreword)|year=2014|isbn=9789351561811}} In the headquarters, he headed IB's operations wing for over a decade and was founder Chairman of the Multi Agency Centre (MAC), as well as of the Joint Task Force on Intelligence (JTFI).{{cite web|last=Datta|first=Saikat|date=28 May 2014|title=Ajit Doval, giant among spies, is the new National Security Advisor|url=http://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/ajit-doval-giant-among-spies-reports-back-for-duty-soon/article1-1223709.aspx|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140531033653/http://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/ajit-doval-giant-among-spies-reports-back-for-duty-soon/article1-1223709.aspx|archive-date=31 May 2014|access-date=5 September 2021|website=Hindustan Times}}

In 1988 during Operation Black Thunder, he infiltrated in Golden temple posing as an ISI agent, did espionage on Khalistani separatists, Doval gathered information about their weapons and made maps of their positions, he became an important member in their group gave wrong advices to them to sabotage, which helped during Operation Bluestar.{{Cite web |last=Donthi |first=Praveen |title=What Ajit Doval did during Operation Black Thunder II |url=https://caravanmagazine.in/government/ajit-doval-operation-black-thunder-excerpt |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220131095857/https://caravanmagazine.in/government/ajit-doval-operation-black-thunder-excerpt |archive-date=31 January 2022 |access-date=31 January 2022 |website=The Caravan |language=en}}{{Cite web |date=21 January 2021 |title=पाकिस्तानमध्ये गुप्तहेर म्हणून काम करत असताना पकडले गेले होते अजित डोभाल |url=https://lokmat.news18.com/photogallery/news/birthday-of-national-security-advisor-ajit-doval-and-interesting-facts-as-a-spy-in-pakistan-gh-515139.html |access-date=25 January 2023 |website=News18 Lokmat |language=mr |archive-date=25 January 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230125054535/https://lokmat.news18.com/photogallery/news/birthday-of-national-security-advisor-ajit-doval-and-interesting-facts-as-a-spy-in-pakistan-gh-515139.html |url-status=live }}

He played a role in intelligence for Sikkim's merger with India.{{cite news|date=7 July 2004|title=Kandahar negotiator gets IB top post|work=The Telegraph|location=Calcutta, India|url=http://www.telegraphindia.com/1040708/asp/nation/story_3469111.asp|access-date=27 August 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081007010606/http://www.telegraphindia.com/1040708/asp/nation/story_3469111.asp|archive-date=7 October 2008}}{{Cite news|last=Sharma|first=Sudeept|date=26 May 2016|title=Sikkim Day: How Sikkim Became a Part of India|language=en|work=The Quint|url=https://www.thequint.com/news/india/sikkim-day-how-sikkim-became-a-part-of-india|access-date=31 August 2017|archive-date=30 September 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200930155244/https://www.thequint.com/amp/story/india/2016/05/16/sikkim-day-how-sikkim-became-a-part-of-india|url-status=dead}} He was trained under M. K. Narayanan, the third National Security Advisor of India for a brief period in counterterrorism operations.{{Cite web|date=10 October 2018|title=Checking out the Doval detail: Some myth, some reality, and much folklore|url=https://theprint.in/opinion/checking-out-the-doval-detail-some-myth-some-reality-and-much-folklore/132198/|access-date=31 January 2022|website=ThePrint|language=en-US|archive-date=31 January 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220131095855/https://theprint.in/opinion/checking-out-the-doval-detail-some-myth-some-reality-and-much-folklore/132198/|url-status=live}} He was part of the team which was sent to Kandahar, Afghanistan for negotiations to release passengers of hijacked aeroplane IC-814.{{Cite web|last=Raman|first=B.|author-link=B. Raman|date=23 April 2010|title=M.K.Narayanan|url=http://southasiaanalysis.org/papers37/paper3619.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120623174351/http://southasiaanalysis.org/papers37/paper3619.html|archive-date=23 June 2012|access-date=3 September 2017|url-status=usurped|website=South Asia Analysis Group}}{{cite web|last=Yadav|first=Yatish|date=17 August 2016|title=Return of the Superspy|url=http://www.newindianexpress.com/magazine/Return-of-the-Superspy/2014/06/08/article2265019.ece|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160817150726/http://www.newindianexpress.com/magazine/Return-of-the-Superspy/2014/06/08/article2265019.ece|archive-date=17 August 2016|access-date=3 August 2016|work=The New Indian Express}}

He was later appointed on the post of director of the Intelligence Bureau.

Doval retired in January 2005 as Director, Intelligence Bureau.{{Cite web |last=Bhatt |first=Sheela |date=26 April 2006 |title='Bangladeshi infiltration is the biggest threat' |url=https://www.rediff.com/news/2006/apr/21inter.htm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20061109095702/http://in.rediff.com/news/2006/apr/21inter.htm |archive-date=9 November 2006 |access-date=5 September 2021 |website=Rediff}} In December 2009, he became the founding Director of the Vivekananda International Foundation (VIF), a public policy think tank set up by the Vivekananda Kendra.{{cite web|last=Shaikh|first=Zeeshan|date=30 September 2016|title=The Brains Behind Modi Sarkar|url=http://www.tehelka.com/vivekananda-international-foundation-the-brains-behind-modi-sarkar/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170322203809/http://www.india.com/news/india/meet-ajit-doval-the-man-behind-surgical-strikes-across-loc-1524025/|archive-date=22 March 2017|access-date=8 October 2014|work=Tehelka.com}}{{Cite web|url=http://www.vifindia.org/AboutUs1|title=About Us|date=17 January 2017|website=www.vifindia.org|language=en|access-date=31 August 2017|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170901105629/http://www.vifindia.org/AboutUs1|archive-date=1 September 2017}} Doval has remained actively involved in the discourse on national security in India.{{Cite web|title=Naxalism: Need to Revisit Basics|url=https://www.vifindia.org/article/2010/april/10/Naxalism-Need-to-Revisit-Basics|access-date=31 January 2022|website=www.vifindia.org|language=en|archive-date=31 January 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220131095905/https://www.vifindia.org/article/2010/april/10/Naxalism-Need-to-Revisit-Basics|url-status=live}}{{Cite web|title=Patna Blasts – Implications Under Assessed|url=https://www.vifindia.org/article/2013/november/21/patna-blasts-implications-under-assessed|access-date=31 January 2022|website=www.vifindia.org|language=en|archive-date=31 January 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220131095906/https://www.vifindia.org/article/2013/november/21/patna-blasts-implications-under-assessed|url-status=live}} Besides writing editorial pieces for several leading newspapers and journals, he has delivered lectures on India's security challenges and foreign policy objectives at several renowned government and non-governmental institutions, security think-tanks in India and abroad.{{Cite web|last=USINPAC|title=Moderate and Balanced Afghanistan- Imperative for Regional Security|date=16 July 2013|url=http://www.usinpac.com/defence-and-strategic-affairs-blog/afghanistan-its-security-stability-and-prosperity/|access-date=31 January 2022|archive-date=31 January 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220131095858/http://www.usinpac.com/defence-and-strategic-affairs-blog/afghanistan-its-security-stability-and-prosperity/|url-status=live}}{{Cite web|author=Scroll Staff|title=Watch Ajit Doval say if Pakistan does 'one Mumbai' it may lose Balochistan|url=https://scroll.in/video/801447/watch-ajit-doval-say-if-pakistan-does-one-mumbai-it-may-lose-balochistan|access-date=31 January 2022|website=Scroll.in|date=6 January 2016 |language=en-US|archive-date=31 January 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220131095857/https://scroll.in/video/801447/watch-ajit-doval-say-if-pakistan-does-one-mumbai-it-may-lose-balochistan|url-status=live}}

In 2009 and 2012 he co-wrote two reports on "Indian Black Money Abroad in Secret Banks and Tax Havens",{{Cite web|author=S. Gurumurthy|author2=Ajit Doval|author3=R. Vaidyanathan|author4=Mahesh Jethmalani|date=31 January 2011|title=Indian Black Money Abroad in Secret Banks and Tax Havens (Second Report)|url=http://www.bjp.org/images/pdf/feb_08_bjp_task_force_report_ii.pdf|access-date=5 September 2021|website=BJP|archive-date=14 March 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230314095527/https://www.bjp.org/images/pdf/feb_08_bjp_task_force_report_ii.pdf|url-status=live}} with others, leading in the field as a part of the task force constituted by Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).{{Cite web|title=Executive Summary Of Indian Black Money Abroad In Secret Banks and Tax Havens (Second Report)|url=http://www.bjp.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=6567:executive-summary-of-indian-black-money-abroad-in-secret-banks-and-tax-havens&catid=68:press-releases&Itemid=494|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170901110141/http://www.bjp.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=6567%3Aexecutive-summary-of-indian-black-money-abroad-in-secret-banks-and-tax-havens&catid=68%3Apress-releases&Itemid=494|archive-date=1 September 2017|access-date=1 September 2017|website=www.bjp.org}}

In 2012, IB eyed on him due to then ruling party Congress's suspicions on Doval and his think tank VIF with the doubts that he and VIF were the brains behind Ramdev and Anna Hazare led anti-corruption movement, which generated anger against government.{{Cite web |title=Intelligence Bureau to keep eye on former director Ajit Doval |url=https://www.indiatoday.in/magazine/glass-house/story/20120903-upa-ajit-doval-vivekananda-international-foundation-behind-the-anti-corruption-movement-in-the-country-759574-2012-08-24 |access-date=28 January 2023 |website=India Today |language=en |archive-date=4 April 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230404071158/https://www.indiatoday.in/magazine/glass-house/story/20120903-upa-ajit-doval-vivekananda-international-foundation-behind-the-anti-corruption-movement-in-the-country-759574-2012-08-24 |url-status=live }}

In recent years, he has delivered guest lectures on strategic issues at IISS, London, Capitol Hill, Washington DC, Australia-India Institute, University of Melbourne, National Defence College, New Delhi and the Lal Bahadur Shastri National Academy of Administration, Mussoorie.{{cite web|url=http://www.vifindia.org/aboutus/annual-report|title=Vivekananda International Foundation – Seeking Harmony in Diversity|work=vifindia.org|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140525225923/http://www.vifindia.org/aboutus/annual-report|archive-date=25 May 2014}} Doval has also spoken internationally at global events, citing the ever-increasing need of co-operation between the major established and emerging powers of the world.{{cite web|date=1 June 2011 |title=Power Shifts and International Order|url=http://www.isf.ethz.ch/isf/Program/Program-Guide/Plenary-Session/Power-Shifts-and-International-Order |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110830033455/http://www.isf.ethz.ch/isf/Program/Program-Guide/Plenary-Session/Power-Shifts-and-International-Order|archive-date=30 August 2011|access-date=16 March 2013|publisher=International Security Forum}}

File:Secretary Kerry Meets With Indian National Security Advisor Doval in Washington (31398436340).jpg John Kerry in Washington DC.]]

On 30 May 2014, Doval was appointed as India's fifth National Security Advisor.{{Cite web |title=Former Intelligence Bureau Chief Ajit Doval Appointed as National Security Advisor |url=https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/former-intelligence-bureau-chief-ajit-doval-appointed-as-national-security-advisor-564725 |access-date=14 April 2025 |website=www.ndtv.com |language=en}} In June 2014, Doval facilitated the return of 46 Indian nurses who were trapped in a hospital in Tikrit, Iraq, following the capture of Mosul by ISIL. Doval, flew to Iraq on 25 June 2014 to understand the position on the ground and make high-level contacts in the Iraqi government.{{cite news|last=Haidar|first=Suhasini|date=1 July 2014|title=NSA Doval went on secret mission to Iraq|work=The Hindu|url=http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/nsa-doval-went-on-secret-mission-to-iraq/article6187353.ece|url-status=live|access-date=1 March 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150301134039/http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/nsa-doval-went-on-secret-mission-to-iraq/article6187353.ece|archive-date=1 March 2015}} Although the exact circumstances of their release are unclear, on 5 July 2014, ISIL militants handed the nurses to Kurdish authorities at Erbil city and an Air India plane specially-arranged by the Indian government brought them back home to Kochi.{{cite news|date=5 July 2014|title=Indian nurses freed in Iraq given rapturous home welcome|work=BBC News|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-india-28173993|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160131071959/http://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-india-28173993|archive-date=31 January 2016|via=}}

Along with Army Chief General Dalbir Singh Suhag, Doval planned a cross-border military operation against National Socialist Council of Nagaland (NSCN-K) separatists operating out of Myanmar. Indian officials claimed that the mission was a success and 20–38 separatist belonging to Nationalist Socialist Council of Nagaland (NSCN-K) were killed in the operation.{{cite news|date=14 July 2018|title=Myanmar operation: 70 commandos finish task in 40 minutes|work=The Economic Times|agency=PTI|url=https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/defence/myanmar-operation-70-commandos-finish-task-in-40-minutes/articleshow/47617871.cms|access-date=5 September 2021|archive-date=14 June 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150614044831/http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/defence/myanmar-operation-70-commandos-finish-task-in-40-minutes/articleshow/47617871.cms|url-status=live}}{{cite news|last1=Sharma|first1=Aman|date=13 July 2018|title=NSA Ajit Doval, General Dalbir Singh planned retaliatory strike against militants|work=The Times of India|url=http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/defence/ajit-doval-general-dalbir-singh-planned-retaliatory-strike-against-militants/articleshow/47622543.cms|url-status=live|access-date=5 September 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150617000842/http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/defence/ajit-doval-general-dalbir-singh-planned-retaliatory-strike-against-militants/articleshow/47622543.cms|archive-date=17 June 2015}}{{cite web|date=10 June 2015|title=Ajit Doval skipped Dhaka trip for Myanmar operations-IndiaTV News|url=http://www.indiatvnews.com/news/india/nsa-ajit-doval-skipped-modi-dhaka-trip-for-myanmar-operations-51467.html|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150611135359/http://www.indiatvnews.com/news/india/nsa-ajit-doval-skipped-modi-dhaka-trip-for-myanmar-operations-51467.html|archive-date=11 June 2015|access-date=5 September 2021|work=India TV}}{{cite news|last1=Sharma|first1=Aman|date=11 July 2018|title=Blow-by-blow account: How PM Modi, Ajit Doval & Army chief planned covert strike against militants|newspaper=The Economic Times|url=http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/defence/blow-by-blow-account-how-pm-modi-ajit-doval-army-chief-planned-covert-strike-against-militants/articleshow/47615318.cms|url-status=live|access-date=11 June 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150614044806/http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/defence/blow-by-blow-account-how-pm-modi-ajit-doval-army-chief-planned-covert-strike-against-militants/articleshow/47615318.cms|archive-date=14 June 2015}} However, the Myanmar government denied the strikes. According to Myanmar officials, the Indian operation against NSCN-K took place entirely on the Indian side of the border.{{cite web|last1=Long|first1=Layleigh|last2=Lone|first2=Wa|date=11 June 2015|title=Government denies India operation took place inside Myanmar|url=https://www.mmtimes.com/national-news/14978-government-denies-india-operation-took-place-inside-myanmar.html|access-date=5 September 2021|work=Myanmar Times|archive-date=4 August 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190804122805/https://www.mmtimes.com/national-news/14978-government-denies-india-operation-took-place-inside-myanmar.html|url-status=dead}}{{cite news |agency=AFP|date=11 June 2015|title=Myanmar denies Indian Army raid inside its territory|url=https://www.deccanchronicle.com/150611/nation-current-affairs/article/myanmar-denies-indian-army-raid|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150614021044/https://www.deccanchronicle.com/150611/nation-current-affairs/article/myanmar-denies-indian-army-raid|archive-date=14 June 2015|access-date=5 September 2021|newspaper=Deccan Chronicle}}

File:Narendra Modi being given a presentation on counter-terrorist and combing operation by the Defence Forces, at Pathankot Airbase. The National Security Adviser, Shri Ajit Doval, the Chief of Army Staff.jpg and the Air Force Chief Arup Raha at Pathankot Airbase.]]

He is widely credited for the doctrinal shift in Indian national security policy in relation to Pakistan.{{Cite news|date=22 September 2017|title=NSA Doval's 'double squeeze' strategy will never succeed: Pak|work=The Times of India|agency=PTI|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/world/pakistan/nsa-dovals-double-squeeze-strategy-will-never-succeed-pak/articleshow/60791398.cms|url-status=live|access-date=22 September 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170925041430/http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/world/pakistan/nsa-dovals-double-squeeze-strategy-will-never-succeed-pak/articleshow/60791398.cms|archive-date=25 September 2017}} It was speculated that the September 2016 Indian strikes in Pakistan-controlled Kashmir were his brainchild.{{cite web|last=Shaikh|first=Zeeshan|date=30 September 2016|title=Meet Ajit Doval, the man behind surgical strikes across LoC|url=http://www.india.com/news/india/meet-ajit-doval-the-man-behind-surgical-strikes-across-loc-1524025/|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170322203809/http://www.india.com/news/india/meet-ajit-doval-the-man-behind-surgical-strikes-across-loc-1524025/|archive-date=22 March 2017|access-date=22 March 2017|website=India.com}}{{Cite news|url=http://www.firstpost.com/india/ajit-doval-likely-to-visit-china-decoding-the-nsas-famed-doval-doctrine-for-indias-stand-on-beijing-3811603.html|title=Ajit Doval likely to visit China: NSA's famed 'Doval doctrine' and deconstructing India's stand on Beijing|date=14 July 2017|work=Firstpost|access-date=31 August 2017|language=en-US|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170901030234/http://www.firstpost.com/india/ajit-doval-likely-to-visit-china-decoding-the-nsas-famed-doval-doctrine-for-indias-stand-on-beijing-3811603.html|archive-date=1 September 2017}}{{Cite news|url=http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/defence/indias-aggressive-approach-at-border-is-the-brainchild-of-nsa-ajit-doval/articleshow/54599228.cms|title=India's aggressive approach at border is the brainchild of NSA Ajit Doval|last=George|first=Glenn|date=30 September 2016|work=The Economic Times|access-date=31 August 2017|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170909142704/http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/defence/indias-aggressive-approach-at-border-is-the-brainchild-of-nsa-ajit-doval/articleshow/54599228.cms|archive-date=9 September 2017}}{{Cite news|last=Jagannathan|first=R|date=5 August 2015|title=Power doctrine of Ajit Doval: Why it is much better than empty Gandhi-giri|language=en-US|work=Firstpost|url=http://www.firstpost.com/politics/ajit-doval-power-doctrine-much-better-empty-gandhi-giri-2379720.html|url-status=live|access-date=31 August 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170901031741/http://www.firstpost.com/politics/ajit-doval-power-doctrine-much-better-empty-gandhi-giri-2379720.html|archive-date=1 September 2017}} Doval is widely credited along with then Foreign Secretary S. Jaishankar and Indian Ambassador to China Vijay Keshav Gokhale, for resolving Doklam Standoff through diplomatic channels and negotiations.{{Cite web|last=Negi|first=Manjeet|date=28 August 2017|title=Inside story of how India achieved breakthrough in Doklam border standoff with China|url=http://m.indiatoday.in/lite/story/doklam-standoff-china-pm-modi-nsa-ajit-doval/1/1035694.html|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170901114609/http://m.indiatoday.in/lite/story/doklam-standoff-china-pm-modi-nsa-ajit-doval/1/1035694.html|archive-date=1 September 2017|access-date=1 September 2017|website=India Today}}{{Cite web|last=Mukharji|first=Shantanu|date=31 August 2017|title=Doka La standoff: Ajit Doval proves it doesn't take a diplomat to resolve an international crisis|url=http://www.firstpost.com/india/doka-la-standoff-ajit-doval-proves-it-doesnt-take-a-diplomat-to-resolve-an-international-crisis-3992365.html/amp|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170901114535/http://www.firstpost.com/india/doka-la-standoff-ajit-doval-proves-it-doesnt-take-a-diplomat-to-resolve-an-international-crisis-3992365.html/amp|archive-date=1 September 2017|access-date=1 September 2017|website=Firstpost}}{{Cite web|last=Dubey|first=Ajit Kumar|date=30 August 2017|title=Meet Prime Minister Modi's key men who cracked Doklam for him|url=http://m.indiatoday.in/lite/story/doklam-narendra-modi-china-ajit-doval-pla-beijing-bhutan/1/1036814.html|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170901085638/http://m.indiatoday.in/lite/story/doklam-narendra-modi-china-ajit-doval-pla-beijing-bhutan/1/1036814.html|archive-date=1 September 2017|access-date=1 September 2017|website=India Today}}

In October 2018, he was appointed as the Chairman of the Strategic Policy Group (SPG), which is the first tier of a three-tier structure at the National Security Council and forms the nucleus of its decision-making apparatus.{{cite web|date=9 October 2018|title=NSA Ajit Doval to head new Strategic Policy Group established to assist National Security Council|url=https://www.indiatvnews.com/news/india-nsa-ajit-doval-to-head-new-strategic-policy-group-established-to-assist-national-security-council-470123|access-date=5 September 2021|website=India TV|archive-date=24 May 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220524235443/https://www.indiatvnews.com/news/india-nsa-ajit-doval-to-head-new-strategic-policy-group-established-to-assist-national-security-council-470123|url-status=live}}

After Pakistan based terrorist attacked convoy of CRPF by car bomb in Pulwama which resulted in the deaths of 40 CRPF personnel,the Indian Air Force conducted an airstrike on alleged terrorist bases in Pakistan.{{Cite web |date=27 February 2019 |title=Only seven people knew about airstrike on Balakot. |url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/only-seven-people-knew-of-the-timing-of-air-strike-on-balakot/story-EjRsyhfQZg8VMgreUVvOxL_amp.html&ved=2ahUKEwiXgMLWluf8AhWo6jgGHciOBlYQFnoECCQQAQ&usg=AOvVaw1Tyb5Iy4VGfSn0GH6DcUI- |website=Hindustan Times}} Doval was one of the seven persons who knew about India's classified 2019 Balakot airstrike, including Indian Navy, Army, Airforce chiefs and prime minister Narendra Modi. Following the airstrike and retaliatory 2019 Jammu and Kashmir airstrikes and subsequent capture of Indian pilot Abhinandan Varthaman by Pakistani military, Ajit Doval held talks with US Secretary of State and National Security Advisor to secure the release of the Indian pilot.{{cite web|date=28 February 2019|title=Govt hails IAF pilot Abhinandan's release announcement as major victory for India|url=https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/abhinandan-varthaman-release-india-government-reaction-1467305-2019-02-28|access-date=5 September 2021|work=India Today|archive-date=20 September 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210920063040/https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/abhinandan-varthaman-release-india-government-reaction-1467305-2019-02-28|url-status=live}}

On 3 June 2019, he was reappointed as NSA for another 5 years and granted the personal rank of a Cabinet Minister.{{Cite web|last1=|first1=|date=3 June 2019|title=Ajit Doval reappointed National Security Adviser, gets Cabinet rank in new Modi regime|url=https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/ajit-doval-reappointed-national-security-advisor-gets-cabinet-rank-1541392-2019-06-03|access-date=5 September 2021|website=India Today|archive-date=8 November 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201108012431/https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/ajit-doval-reappointed-national-security-advisor-gets-cabinet-rank-1541392-2019-06-03|url-status=live}} Doval is the first NSA to hold such a rank. He is widely considered to be one of Modi's most powerful and trusted advisors, with major influence over India's national security and foreign affairs.{{Cite news |date=14 June 2024 |title=Who is Ajit Doval, India's longest-serving NSA, now in his third term under Modi 3.0 |url=https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/defence/who-is-ajit-doval-indias-longest-serving-nsa-now-in-his-third-term-under-modi-3-0/articleshow/110971725.cms?from=mdr |access-date=14 August 2024 |work=The Economic Times |issn=0013-0389}}

File:The Chief of Army Staff, General Dalbir Singh, the Chief of Naval Staff, Admiral Sunil Lanba and the Vice Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Birender Singh Dhanoa call on the Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi, in New Delhi.jpg]]

He was also an instrumental figure in revocation of the special status of Jammu and Kashmir.{{Cite web|url = https://theprint.in/india/how-amit-shah-ajit-doval-managed-to-stun-everyone-on-article-370-despite-telltale-signs/281647/|title = How Amit Shah, Ajit Doval managed to stun everyone on Article 370 despite telltale signs|date = 24 August 2019|access-date = 19 March 2022|archive-date = 19 March 2022|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20220319120044/https://theprint.in/india/how-amit-shah-ajit-doval-managed-to-stun-everyone-on-article-370-despite-telltale-signs/281647/|url-status = live}}

On 26 February 2020, Ajit Doval walked the streets of riot-hit northeast Delhi to assess the situation and reassure the local residents.{{cite web|date=26 February 2020|title=Situation in riot hit north east Delhi under control|url=https://www.livemint.com/news/india/situation-in-riot-hit-northeast-delhi-under-control-nsa-ajit-doval-11582721526763.html|access-date=21 January 2022|work=Livemint.com|archive-date=21 January 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220121031412/https://www.livemint.com/news/india/situation-in-riot-hit-northeast-delhi-under-control-nsa-ajit-doval-11582721526763.html|url-status=live}}

On 15 May 2020, the military forces of Myanmar handed over a group of 22 militant leaders, active in Assam and other northeast states, to the Indian government. This was made possible through negotiations headed by Doval.{{cite web|last=Shukla|first=Manish|date=15 May 2020|editor-last=Bhandari|editor-first=Ankita|title=After NSA Ajit Doval's intervention, Myanmar hands over 22 northeast insurgents wanted in India|url=https://zeenews.india.com/india/after-nsa-ajit-dovals-intervention-myanmar-hands-over-22-northeast-insurgents-wanted-in-india-2283828.html|access-date=5 September 2021|publisher=Zee News|archive-date=24 April 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220424085032/https://zeenews.india.com/india/after-nsa-ajit-dovals-intervention-myanmar-hands-over-22-northeast-insurgents-wanted-in-india-2283828.html|url-status=live}}{{cite web|last=Gupta|first=Shishir|date=15 May 2020|title=HT Exclusive: Nudged by Ajit Doval, Myanmar army hands over 22 northeast insurgents|url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/ht-exclusive-myanmar-flushes-out-northeast-insurgents-hands-over-22-to-india/story-x3CcZ88zxPj54l6XtqTj6L.html|access-date=5 September 2021|website=Hindustan Times|publisher=|archive-date=14 December 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211214060208/https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/ht-exclusive-myanmar-flushes-out-northeast-insurgents-hands-over-22-to-india/story-x3CcZ88zxPj54l6XtqTj6L.html|url-status=live}}

On 15 September 2020, Doval walked out of a virtual SCO meeting after Pakistan projected a fictitious map omitting parts of India.{{cite web|date=17 September 2020|title=NSA Ajit Doval walks out of virtual SCO meet after Pakistan projected 'fictitious' map|url=https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/defence/nsa-ajit-doval-walks-out-of-virtual-sco-meet-after-pakistan-projected-fictitious-map/videoshow/78138921.cms|access-date=5 September 2021|work=The Economic Times|archive-date=3 August 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210803001503/https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/defence/nsa-ajit-doval-walks-out-of-virtual-sco-meet-after-pakistan-projected-fictitious-map/videoshow/78138921.cms|url-status=live}}

On 13 June 2024, Ajit Doval was granted third five-year extension for his tenure as National Security Advisor of India.{{Cite web |title=Narendra Modi, Amit Shah, Rajnath Singh, Ajit Doval got threats from Pannun's SFJ, Centre reveals |url=https://www.deccanherald.com/india/rajnath-singh-other-major-leaders-threatened-by-pannuns-sfj-reveals-modi-govt-as-delhi-hc-upholds-5-year-extension-of-ban-on-the-organization-3378542 |access-date=2025-05-28 |website=Deccan Herald |language=en}}{{Cite web |title=Ajit Doval Reappointed NSA, PK Mishra to Stay Principal Secretary To PM |url=https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/ajit-dovals-tenure-as-national-security-advisor-extended-5882199 |access-date=2025-05-28 |website=www.ndtv.com |language=en}}{{Cite web |title=Ajit Doval, Indias longest serving NSA, turns 80 |url=https://www.tribuneindia.com/news/india/ajit-doval-indias-longest-serving-nsa-turns-80/ |access-date=2025-05-28 |website=The Tribune |language=en}}

In the 2025 India–Pakistan conflict following the Pahalgam terror attack, National Security Advisor (NSA) Ajit Doval played a key role in formulating India’s strategic response. He coordinated Operation Sindoor, a series of precision airstrikes on terror camps located in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK). Indian officials described the operation as "measured and non-escalatory," aimed at neutralizing terrorist threats without provoking a broader conflict.{{cite news |title=Ajit Doval: India’s super spy and man behind Operation Sindoor |url=https://www.firstpost.com/explainers/operation-sindoor-nsa-ajit-doval-pm-modi-13886694.html |work=Firstpost |date=11 May 2025 |access-date=18 May 2025}}{{cite news |title=Operation Sindoor: NSA Ajit Doval declares India ready to 'retaliate resolutely' if Pakistan escalates tensions |url=https://www.theweek.in/news/defence/2025/05/07/operation-sindoor-nsa-ajit-doval-declares-india-ready-to-retaliate-resolutely-if-pakistan-escalates-tensions.html |work=The Week |date=7 May 2025 |access-date=18 May 2025}}

• He has been awarded an honorary doctorate from Dr. Bhimrao Ambedkar University (formerly Agra University) in December 2017; Kumaun University in May 2018;{{cite web|author=Siraj Qureshi|date=6 December 2017|title=Colleges, universities have responsibilities to impart skills to students: Ajit Doval|url=https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/ajit-doval-colleges-universities-students-skills-global-competition-1101785-2017-12-06|access-date=5 September 2021|website=India Today|archive-date=20 September 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210920063053/https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/ajit-doval-colleges-universities-students-skills-global-competition-1101785-2017-12-06|url-status=live}}{{Cite web|last=Santoshi|first=Neeraj|date=18 May 2018|title=NSA Ajit Doval has a four-point mantra for success|url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/dehradun/nsa-ajit-doval-has-a-four-point-mantra-for-success/story-AhRiJl3uJtSNj2dgfvNX5L.html|access-date=5 September 2021|website=Hindustan Times|archive-date=27 February 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190227060126/https://www.hindustantimes.com/dehradun/nsa-ajit-doval-has-a-four-point-mantra-for-success/story-AhRiJl3uJtSNj2dgfvNX5L.html|url-status=live}} and Amity University, in November 2018.{{Cite news|agency=PTI|date=3 November 2018|title=India's 'human capital' can counter China's 'rare mineral wealth': NSA Ajit Doval|url=https://www.newindianexpress.com/nation/2018/nov/03/indias-human-capital-can-counter-chinas-rare-mineral-wealth-nsa-ajit-doval-1893875.html|access-date=5 September 2021|newspaper=The New Indian Express|archive-date=5 September 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210905134455/https://www.newindianexpress.com/nation/2018/nov/03/indias-human-capital-can-counter-chinas-rare-mineral-wealth-nsa-ajit-doval-1893875.html|url-status=live}}{{cite web|date=3 November 2018|title=Amity awards more than more than 7700 degrees and diplomas upon qualified graduands during the third day of Convocation 2018|url=http://alumni.amity.edu/AmityNews.aspx?EventId=4721|access-date=5 September 2021|website=alumni.amity.edu (Amity Alumni Association)|archive-date=13 July 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200713013841/http://alumni.amity.edu/AmityNews.aspx?EventId=4721|url-status=dead}}
• Doval was the youngest police officer to receive the Police Medal for meritorious service. He was given the award after six years in the police force.{{When|date=February 2023}}
• Doval was later awarded the President's Police Medal.{{Cite web|title=Profile of Ajit Doval|url=https://www.indiatvnews.com/profile/ajit-doval/news|access-date=31 January 2022|website=India TV News|language=en|archive-date=31 January 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220131095855/https://www.indiatvnews.com/profile/ajit-doval/news|url-status=live}}{{When|date=February 2023}}
• In 1988, Doval was granted one of the highest gallantry awards, the Kirti Chakra, becoming the first police officer to receive a medal previously given only as a military honour.{{Cite web |date=11 October 2018 |title=1st IPS Officer to Win Kirti Chakra Just Became India's Most Powerful Bureaucrat! |url=https://www.thebetterindia.com/161862/ajit-doval-ips-spg-intelligence-news/ |access-date=7 May 2022 |website=The Better India |language=en |archive-date=13 August 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220813210617/https://www.thebetterindia.com/161862/ajit-doval-ips-spg-intelligence-news/ |url-status=live }}

• Doval appeared on Epic TV's show Adrishya, in which his success against Khalistani separatist during Operation Black Thunder was featured.{{Citation |title=Adrishya – Ajit Doval {{!}} Full Episode {{!}} Indian Spy Master {{!}} Operation Black Thunder {{!}} EPIC |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M1UN3UYzuaw |language=en |access-date=24 January 2023 |archive-date=17 March 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230317170135/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M1UN3UYzuaw |url-status=live }}
• In film Uri: The Surgical Strike (2019) his cinematic character was played by Paresh Rawal.{{Cite web |title=Paresh Rawal gets into the skin of NSA Ajit Doval for 'Uri'. |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/hindi/bollywood/photo-features/movies-to-look-forward-to/paresh-rawal-gets-in-the-skin-of-nsa-ajit-doval-for-uri/photostory/64519078.cms |website=Times of india}}

{{Portal|India}}

• Ravindra Kaushik – spy of India.
• Bahirji Naik – spy of Chatrapati Shivaji Maharaj

{{reflist|colwidth=30em}}

{{Commons category}}

• {{cite web|last=Doval|first=Ajit|date=21 November 2009|title=Terrorist threat and response capability – India a year after|url=http://www.deccanherald.com/content/37211/terrorist-threat-response-capability-india.html|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091124061106/http://www.deccanherald.com/content/37211/terrorist-threat-response-capability-india.html|archive-date=24 November 2009|work=Deccan Herald}}
• {{Cite news|last=Doval|first=Ajit|date=12 February 2012|title=Working in real time|work=Hindustan Times|url=http://www.hindustantimes.com/editorial-views-on/Edits/Working-in-real-time/Article1-810451.aspx|access-date=5 September 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140528005614/http://www.hindustantimes.com/editorial-views-on/Edits/Working-in-real-time/Article1-810451.aspx|archive-date=28 May 2014}}

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{{s-gov}}

{{s-bef|before=Shivshankar Menon}}

{{s-ttl|title=National Security Advisor|years=2014–present}}

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{{s-civ|pol}}

{{s-bef|before= K. P. Singh}}

{{s-ttl|title=Director of Intelligence Bureau|years=2004–2005}}

{{s-aft|after= E. S. L. Narasimhan}}

{{s-end}}

{{Indian civil servants}}

{{Authority control}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Doval, Ajit}}

Category:1945 births

Category:Directors of Intelligence Bureau (India)

Category:Garhwali people

Category:Indian Police Service officers

Category:Indian spies

Category:Living people

Category:National Defence College, India alumni

Category:National Security Advisor of India

Category:People from Pauri Garhwal district

Category:People from Uttarakhand

Category:Recipients of the Kirti Chakra

Category:Spymasters

Category:University of Madras alumni