Narendra Modi Reappoints Ajit Doval as National Security Advisor for Third Term
On June 13, 2024, Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced the reappointment of Ajit Doval as India’s National Security Advisor (NSA) for a third term. Doval’s tenure will align with Modi’s term or until further orders are issued.
Ajit Doval’s Key Achievements as National Security Adviser
Ajit Doval has significantly influenced India’s national security and foreign policy. His key achievements include:
- Release of Indian Nurses from Iraq (2014): Doval facilitated the safe return of 46 Indian nurses trapped in a Tikrit hospital during ISIL’s capture of Mosul.
- Surgical Strikes and Balakot Airstrikes: He was instrumental in planning and executing the 2016 surgical strikes and the 2019 Balakot airstrikes against terrorist targets in Pakistan.
- Doklam Standoff Resolution: Doval played a crucial role in diplomatically resolving the Doklam standoff with China.
- Counter-Terrorism Efforts: He has been pivotal in India’s counter-terrorism operations, especially in the Northeast and Jammu and Kashmir, and in capturing militant leaders from Myanmar.
- Operation Black Thunder: Doval was a key negotiator in the release of passengers from the hijacked IC-814 in Kandahar (1999) and in terminating at least 15 hijackings of Indian Airlines aircraft between 1971 and 1999.
- Longest-Serving NSA: Reappointed for a historic third term, Doval is the longest-serving NSA in India’s history.
These achievements highlight Doval’s substantial impact on India’s national security and foreign policy, showcasing his ability to navigate complex diplomatic scenarios and ensure citizen safety.
Key Challenges Doval Faced as National Security Adviser
Ajit Doval encountered numerous challenges during his tenure as NSA:
- Strengthening Counter-Terrorism Apparatus: Addressing turf battles between the Research and Analysis Wing (RAW) and the Intelligence Bureau (IB) to improve India’s counter-terrorism efforts.
- Developing Human Intelligence in Pakistan: Enhancing India’s neglected human intelligence network in Pakistan to gather accurate intelligence and counter Pakistan’s proxy war.
- Implementing National Maritime Authority: Quickly establishing the National Maritime Authority to bolster coastal security, fulfilling a Bharatiya Janata Party poll promise.
- Managing Jammu and Kashmir: Handling the complex political and security dynamics in Jammu and Kashmir, including the region’s special status revocation.
- Handling International Relations: Managing India’s international relations, particularly with Pakistan, China, and the United States, through diplomatic channels and security negotiations.
- Managing the Military: Advising the Prime Minister on military matters, including planning and executing operations, and coordinating with military leadership.
- Addressing Regional Security Concerns: Tackling regional security issues such as the Doklam standoff with China and militant groups in the Northeast.
Doval’s tenure involved addressing these varied challenges to strengthen India’s national security framework.
Addressing Turf Battles Between RAW and IB
Doval addressed the turf battles between RAW and IB by:
- Strengthening Counter-Terrorism Efforts: Improving coordination and integration between the agencies to enhance their effectiveness.
- Developing Human Intelligence in Pakistan: Facilitating cooperation between RAW and IB to strengthen intelligence networks.
- Implementing National Maritime Authority: Coordinating efforts between various agencies, including RAW and IB, to enhance maritime security.
- Managing Jammu and Kashmir: Navigating complex political and security dynamics, requiring effective coordination between RAW and IB.
- Handling International Relations: Strengthening coordination between RAW and IB to enhance India’s national security.
Doval’s leadership focused on enhancing coordination and communication between RAW and IB to counter security threats effectively.
Doval’s Role in Revoking Jammu and Kashmir’s Special Status
Ajit Doval played a significant role in the revocation of Jammu and Kashmir’s special status through:
- Assessment of Security Situation: Visiting Jammu and Kashmir to assess the local sentiment and potential implications.
- Confidence Building Measures: Interacting with locals and police to reassure their safety and security.
- Support for Government Decision: Demonstrating the government’s commitment and willingness to engage with the local population.
- Strategic Planning: Providing strategic guidance and assessing risks and benefits.
- Post-Revocation Stability: Ensuring stability in the region after the revocation.
Doval’s actions were crucial in the successful implementation of the revocation of Jammu and Kashmir’s special status.
Doval’s Leadership in Resolving the Doklam Standoff
Ajit Doval’s leadership was key in resolving the Doklam standoff with China through:
- Firm Resolve: Demonstrating a firm stance to protect India’s interests.
- Diplomatic Efforts: Maintaining diplomatic channels with China and facilitating negotiations.
- Strategic Assessment: Accurately gauging the situation and preparing India’s response.
- Military Capabilities: Ensuring India’s military readiness during the standoff.
- Negotiations: Leading to a peaceful and negotiated resolution.
Doval’s strategic and diplomatic efforts were vital in managing the Doklam crisis and maintaining regional stability.
Impact on Indian Military’s Response
Doval’s leadership impacted the Indian military’s response by:
- Proactive and Offensive Approach: Advocating a more assertive national security strategy.
- Cross-Border Operations: Planning and executing operations beyond Indian borders.
- Emphasis on Intelligence and Covert Operations: Focusing on intelligence gathering and covert missions.
- Assertive Posturing: Encouraging a stronger military stance against adversaries.
- Coordination and Integration: Facilitating better coordination between intelligence and security agencies.
Doval’s leadership transformed the Indian military’s approach to national security.
Doval’s Impact on Sino-India Relations
Ajit Doval’s interactions with China have been significant in shaping India’s foreign policy:
- BRICS Security Summit: Attending the summit in Beijing amidst rising India-China tensions.
- Tawang Dispute: Expressing concerns over China’s claims to Tawang in Arunachal Pradesh.
- McMahon Line: Addressing China’s acceptance of the McMahon Line with Myanmar but not with India.
- Double Standards: Facing criticism for perceived double standards in international relations.
- Pakistan’s Reaction: Navigating Pakistan’s concerns over India’s interactions with China.
Doval’s engagements with China have been pivotal in shaping India’s national security and foreign policy.
Doval’s Impact on India’s International Relations
Ajit Doval’s leadership significantly influenced India’s international relations by:
- Diplomatic Efforts: Facilitating diplomatic solutions to international crises.
- Strategic Assessment: Providing guidance on global issues.
- Military Operations: Planning and executing significant military operations.
- Regional Relations: Improving relations with neighboring countries.
- International Reputation: Enhancing India’s global standing through proactive leadership.
Doval’s leadership shaped India’s approach to global security and diplomacy.
Role in Crisis Resolution at BRICS Meeting
Doval’s visit to the BRICS security summit in Beijing was crucial in resolving the Doklam standoff by:
- Diplomatic Engagement: Facilitating dialogue with Chinese officials.
- Strategic Assessment: Providing strategic guidance on crisis resolution.
- Tempering the Crisis: Helping reduce tensions and fostering constructive dialogue.
- Maintaining Status Quo: Ensuring a reduction in troop presence and maintaining regional stability.
Doval’s diplomatic efforts at the BRICS summit were essential in managing the Doklam crisis.
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FAQ on Ajit Doval
Who is Ajit Doval?
Ajit Kumar Doval is the current National Security Advisor (NSA) to the Prime Minister of India. He is a retired Indian Police Service (IPS) officer of the Kerala cadre and a former Indian intelligence and law enforcement officer.
What are some key facts about Ajit Doval’s early life?
Ajit Doval was born in Uttarakhand in 1945. He began his police career in 1968 as an IPS officer. Notably, he was the youngest police officer in India to be awarded the Kirti Chakra, a gallantry award typically given to military personnel for meritorious service.
What significant military operations did Ajit Doval oversee?
Ajit Doval supervised India’s September 2016 surgical strike and the February 2019 Balakot airstrikes across the border in Pakistan. These operations targeted terrorist camps and were conducted as responses to terrorist activities against India.
How did Ajit Doval contribute to resolving the Doklam standoff?
Ajit Doval played a pivotal role in ending the Doklam standoff between India and China through strategic diplomacy and negotiations, ensuring the maintenance of regional stability.
What was Ajit Doval’s role in tackling insurgency in the Northeast?
Ajit Doval took decisive measures to address insurgency in the Northeast, including heading a successful military operation in Myanmar against National Socialist Council of Nagaland militants operating out of Myanmar.
What was Ajit Doval’s involvement in the IC-814 hijacking?
In 1999, Ajit Doval was one of the three negotiators involved in securing the release of passengers from the hijacked Indian Airlines flight IC-814 in Kandahar, Afghanistan.
How did Ajit Doval contribute to anti-insurgency operations?
Ajit Doval was actively involved in anti-insurgency operations in Mizoram and Punjab. He also played a key role in gathering intelligence for Operation Blue Star in 1984, aimed at eliminating Khalistani militancy.
What intelligence work did Ajit Doval do in Pakistan?
Ajit Doval spent seven years as an undercover operative in Pakistan, gathering intelligence on active militant groups. He later worked at the Indian High Commission in Islamabad for six years.
What is Ajit Doval’s connection to the release of Indian nurses in Iraq?
In 2014, Ajit Doval ensured the release of 46 Indian nurses trapped in a hospital in Tikrit, Iraq. He undertook a top-secret mission, made high-level connections in the Iraq government, and successfully brought the nurses back to India.
What is Ajit Doval’s role in the Vivekananda International Foundation?
After his retirement in 2009, Ajit Doval became the founder director of the Vivekananda International Foundation, a think tank that contributes to public policy.
What recognition has Ajit Doval received?
Ajit Doval has received numerous awards and honors, including the Kirti Chakra. His career is marked by his strict stance against militancy and terrorism.
What is Ajit Doval’s current role and tenure?
In 2024, Ajit Doval was reappointed as the National Security Advisor for five more years and given a Cabinet rank in the third term of the Narendra Modi-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) government.
How has Ajit Doval impacted India’s national security?
Ajit Doval has significantly shaped India’s national security policies through his leadership in various military operations, intelligence gathering, and strategic diplomacy. His proactive approach has strengthened India’s position on both domestic and international fronts.