Ajit Doval, one of India's most prominent intelligence officers, has played a key role in shaping the country's security landscape. Known for his sharp intellect and strategic genius, Doval has been involved in some of the most important security operations in India's history. His journey from a young IPS officer to the National Security Advisor has been full of extraordinary achievements.
Early Life and Career
Ajit Doval was born on January 20, 1945, in Pauri Garhwal district of Uttarakhand. His father Major G.N. Doval was in the Indian Army, which means Ajit grew up in a disciplined, military environment. After completing his schooling at the Indian Military Boarding School in Ajmer, Rajasthan, he earned a master's degree in economics from Agra University in 1967. The following year, at just 22, Doval cleared the UPSC exam in his first attempt and made it to the Indian Police Service (IPS). His initial posting was as Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) in Kottayam district of Kerala, where he soon gained recognition for his bravery and quick thinking.
Gaining fame in Kerala
In 1971, communal riots broke out in Thalassery town in Kerala, which brought Doval into the national spotlight. Amid escalating violence between two religious groups, local law enforcement agencies struggled to restore peace. Undeterred by the chaos, Doval used a combination of strategic intelligence gathering and negotiation and managed to defuse the situation without any further bloodshed. His ability to handle a volatile situation with minimal force was praised even at the highest levels of the government, including the then Prime Minister Indira Gandhi.
Entry into Intelligence Bureau
Doval's success in Kerala paved the way for his entry into the Intelligence Bureau (IB) in 1972. His work in the operations wing of the IB brought him to the centre of India's most critical security missions. Over the next few decades, Doval cemented his reputation as one of India's top intelligence officers. His role in tackling insurgency in the Northeast, particularly Mizoram, remains one of the most notable achievements of his career.
Mizoram Peace Accord
In the early 1970s, Mizoram was in turmoil. Lal Denga's Mizo National Front (MNF) was fighting for independence from India with widespread support from the local population. Doval was sent to Mizoram to suppress the rebellion. Through brilliant detective work, Doval infiltrated the MNF ranks and befriended some of their top commanders. He succeeded in turning six of the seven key MNF commanders against Lal Denga, effectively weakening the movement. This led to peace talks, which eventually resulted in Mizoram becoming a separate state within India. Lal Denga, once a fierce rebel, became the Chief Minister of Mizoram largely due to Doval's intervention.
Sikkim merger
Around the same time, Doval was also involved in securing India's interests in Sikkim. This small state was under the influence of the United States, as its king was married to American CIA agent Hope Cooke. Doval was tasked with supporting local political movements that opposed the monarchy. Through careful political maneuvering and intelligence work, Doval helped weaken the king's hold on power, resulting in the merger of Sikkim with India in 1975.
Operations in Pakistan
One of Doval's most daring assignments came in the late 1970s and early 1980s when he was sent to Pakistan under diplomatic cover. During his six to seven years in Pakistan, Doval collected crucial intelligence about the country's nuclear program. Disguised as a local beggar, he managed to gather information about Pakistan's nuclear activities at Kahuta, helping India stay ahead of its rival in the nuclear race. His deep infiltration into Pakistan's nuclear operations was one of the pivotal moments in India's intelligence history.
Operation Black Thunder
Perhaps one of Doval's most famous operations was Operation Black Thunder in 1988. The terrorists had taken refuge inside the Golden Temple in Amritsar, repeating the scenario that was responsible for the disastrous Operation Blue Star in 1984. This time, the government wanted to avoid the heavy losses and public outrage that followed the previous operation. Doval, using his mastery of disguise, posed as an ISI agent from Pakistan and gained the confidence of the terrorists inside the temple. By collecting crucial intelligence and cutting off their resources, Doval played a key role in bringing the situation to a peaceful resolution without any significant violence.
National Security Legacy
Ajit Doval's career is a testament to the power of intelligence and strategic thinking. From combating insurgency to counterterrorism operations and foreign espionage, Doval has been at the forefront of India's most critical security challenges. His innovative approach to intelligence gathering and conflict resolution has made him a key figure in India's national security apparatus. Today, as India's National Security Advisor, Doval continues to influence the country's security policies, ensuring that India remains vigilant against both internal and external threats.
Ajit Doval's legacy is one of unparalleled service, bravery, and an unwavering commitment to India's security. His contributions will continue to shape India's intelligence and defence strategies for years to come.
A Masterclass in National Security
One of India's most respected national security strategists, Ajit Doval has become synonymous with bold expeditions and astute intelligence work. His strategic acumen and bravery are exemplified through various landmark events that define India's modern security landscape.
The Siege of the Golden Temple in 1988
In 1988, the capture of the Golden Temple in Punjab by terrorists saw an unlikely hero in the form of Ajit Doval. The situation had worsened, the terrorists were entrenched at the holy site and morale among them had plummeted after the death of their leader. Ajit Doval's ability to negotiate under heavy pressure led to a peaceful surrender on May 18 without a single shot being fired. His ability to persuade the terrorists to surrender demonstrated not only his negotiation skills but also his in-depth understanding of human psychology.
1999 IC-814 hijacking
The most challenging moment of Doval's career came in December 1999 when Indian Airlines Flight IC-814 was hijacked. Over 170 passengers on board the plane were taken hostage by Pakistani terrorists from the Harkat-ul-Mujahideen group. The plane's journey took it to several destinations—Amritsar, Lahore, Dubai, and finally Kandahar, Afghanistan—where the terrorists began making several demands, including the release of terrorists held in India.
With his experience in handling hijack situations, Doval was chosen to lead the negotiations. His expertise played a key role in handling the situation, although it ultimately ended in a difficult decision: the release of three terrorists in exchange for the safety of the passengers. Although the outcome was controversial, Doval's quick action minimized further loss of life and highlighted the complexity of decision-making in crisis situations.
Building a strong national security framework
After the IC-814 hijacking, Doval took the lead in strengthening India's national security. He played a key role in the formation of the Multi-Agency Centre (MAC) and the Joint Task Force on Intelligence (JTFI), which focused on intelligence sharing and coordination. His efforts modernised India's security apparatus, laying the foundation for future operations that kept the country safe from many threats.
Political tensions and Doval's role in Kashmir
Doval's career has not been untouched by political intrigues. His close ties with the senior leadership of the BJP, especially Home Minister LK Advani, often led to confrontations with other political factions. Notably, his involvement in Kashmir's political dynamics surprised people. Doval is often credited with influencing the creation of the People's Democratic Party (PDP) led by Mufti Mohammad Sayeed, a move that reshaped Kashmir's political landscape. His ties with key political figures were crucial in maintaining a balance between national security and political stability in the region.
The hunt for Dawood Ibrahim
Even after his official retirement, Doval continued to serve the country. One of his most daring plans was an attempt to neutralise underworld don Dawood Ibrahim. In 2005, during the wedding of Dawood's daughter to Pakistani cricketer Javed Miandad's son, Doval conspired with Chhota Rajan to eliminate Dawood. However, the operation failed after the Mumbai police arrested the key people involved in the operation, preventing a significant breakthrough in India's fight against organised crime.
Rise of Vivekananda International Foundation
After retirement, Doval's influence spread to the think tank space with the establishment of the Vivekananda International Foundation (VIF) in 2009. The platform became a hub for research on national security, diplomacy and global affairs, significantly shaping India's strategic policy discourse. VIF also played a key role in garnering support for anti-corruption movements, particularly the campaign against black money, which gathered momentum in 2011.
Ajit Doval as National Security Advisor
Doval's rise to the post of National Security Advisor (NSA) in 2014 ushered in a new era for India's national security strategy. Under his leadership, India adopted a more assertive defence stance, shifting from a purely defensive strategy to a "defensive-offensive" approach. This change was clearly visible in historic operations like the surgical strikes after the Uri attack, the Balakot airstrikes and the removal of Article 370 in Jammu and Kashmir.
Controversies and allegations
Despite his stellar achievements, Doval and his family have faced several allegations. His son Shaurya Doval faced investigations into his business dealings, especially regarding a hedge fund linked to Pakistan. Members of the Congress party raised suspicions of a conflict of interest and accused Doval of compromising national security. However, none of these allegations tarnished his reputation as a key figure in India's security apparatus.
Ajit Doval's journey from being an intelligence officer to becoming one of the most influential figures in Indian national security is a testament to his unwavering dedication, sharp intellect and willingness to take risks. Whether negotiating with terrorists, foiling terror plots or advising on crucial military strategies, Doval's contribution to India's security is unmatched. His legacy as “India’s James Bond” will continue to inspire generations of security professionals.
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