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The life of Ajit Doval is a tale of intrigue, bravery, and unparalleled dedication to national security. From his early days as an intelligence officer to becoming India’s National Security Advisor, Doval’s journey is marked by high-stakes operations, political controversies, and unwavering focus on India’s sovereignty.
Ajit Doval is often regarded as the cornerstone of India’s modern security framework, embodying the ethos of a strategic thinker and a field operative who seamlessly blends intellect with action.
From his early days as an undercover operative infiltrating hostile territories to his current role as the National Security Advisor (NSA), Doval’s career spans over five decades of commitment to India’s sovereignty and security. His ability to adapt to evolving threats, whether insurgency, terrorism, or geopolitical challenges, underscores his dynamic leadership.
What we want to talk about in this piece is about the most defining moments of his career, unraveling the complex web of espionage, political maneuvering, and his transformative impact on national security.
The Golden Temple siege: A nation at crossroads
In the late 1980s, Punjab was engulfed in turmoil, with militancy threatening to tear the state apart. One of the most critical episodes was the occupation of the Golden Temple by militants, a scenario reminiscent of Operation Blue Star in 1984, which had left deep scars. This time, the approach was different.
Amid this chaos, Ajit Doval, then a top intelligence officer, played a pivotal role in a covert operation named Operation Black Thunder. The mission aimed to flush out militants without causing the devastation witnessed in 1984.
Disguises, espionage, and the rickshaw plan
To gather intelligence, Doval took on the guise of a rickshaw puller. Fluent in Urdu and armed with an understanding of local dynamics, he infiltrated the militant ranks. His ability to convince the militants that he was an ISI agent from Pakistan provided invaluable intelligence.
“Doval’s ability to earn their trust and move in and out of the temple freely was a game-changer,” said one commentator on a popular YouTube channel discussing the operation.
This intelligence led to the deployment of NSG commandos under the cover of CRPF personnel. Doval’s plan was both strategic and psychological: he cut off water and electricity to the militants, breaking their morale. After prolonged negotiations and the elimination of their leader, the militants surrendered on May 18, 1988.
Operation Kandahar: A hijacking that shook India
December 24, 1999, marked another turning point in Doval’s career. Indian Airlines Flight IC-814 was hijacked by terrorists and diverted to Kandahar, Afghanistan. The hijackers demanded the release of 36 prisoners and a hefty ransom of $200 million.
Doval, with his extensive experience in handling hostage negotiations, was included in the seven-member negotiation team. His strategy involved narrowing down the hijackers’ demands, ultimately securing the release of the hostages in exchange for three prisoners.
This operation, while saving lives, was a significant blow to India’s morale and highlighted the need for a robust counter-terrorism framework.
The Dawood connection: The operation that never was
In 2005, after retiring from active service, Doval orchestrated a daring plan to eliminate India’s most-wanted fugitive, Dawood Ibrahim. Collaborating with Dawood’s arch-rival, Chhota Rajan, he trained operatives for a mission in Dubai.
However, the plan was compromised when Mumbai Police arrested the operatives, reportedly tipped off by Dawood’s network. This incident not only foiled the operation but also fueled tensions between Doval and law enforcement agencies.
Political intrigue in Kashmir: Doval’s role in PDP’s formation
Doval’s strategic influence extended beyond counter-terrorism. In Kashmir, he played a key role in altering the political landscape. By fostering relations with Mufti Mohammad Sayeed, Doval is credited with the creation of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), which challenged Congress’s dominance in the region.
Former intelligence officials have noted Doval’s instrumental role in reshaping the political equation in Kashmir, a move that drew ire from Congress but strengthened BJP’s foothold.
Post-retirement, Doval founded the Vivekananda International Foundation (VIF), a think tank focusing on national security and global diplomacy. The VIF, along with its wing, India Foundation, became instrumental in shaping policy discussions, often aligning with BJP’s vision.
The foundation’s 2011 report on black money abroad further cemented its reputation, leading to widespread protests against corruption and contributing to Congress’s fall from power.
From espionage to policy: The rise of Ajit Doval as NSA
When BJP came to power in 2014, Doval was appointed as National Security Advisor. His tenure introduced a shift from defensive to defensive-offensive strategies, marked by high-profile operations such as the Myanmar strike, Uri surgical strike, and Balakot airstrike.
Doval’s doctrine emphasized proactive engagement, reshaping India’s approach to national security and establishing him as one of the most influential figures in the domain.
Controversies and allegations: A career of challenges
Doval’s career has not been without controversy. Allegations against his son, Shaurya Doval, and his business dealings with Pakistani nationals have raised questions about potential conflicts of interest. Critics have also accused Doval of leveraging his position for political gains.
Despite these challenges, Doval’s contributions to India’s security framework remain unparalleled. Before we put up the cumulative conclusion of his role as an Indian and also as a person, we would like to brief our readers about his history in brevity so to understand his dedication and bravery.
Timeline of Ajit Doval’s career and achievements
– 1968: Joins the Indian Police Service (IPS), Kerala cadre.
– 1971: Plays a crucial role in intelligence gathering during the Indo-Pak War.
– 1972: Awarded the Police Medal for Meritorious Service after just six years in service (a rare achievement).
Key operations and espionage missions
– 1984: Acts as one of the key negotiators during the Mizo National Front (MNF) insurgency, leading to the disbanding of their armed struggle.
– 1986: Operates undercover in Pakistan for seven years, gathering critical intelligence for India.
– 1988: Infiltrates the Golden Temple disguised as a rickshaw puller during Operation Black Thunder, contributing to the surrender of militants without significant collateral damage.
– 1999: Serves as part of the negotiating team during the IC-814 hijacking in Kandahar, securing hostages’ release by narrowing down terrorist demands.
– 2005: Plans an operation to eliminate Dawood Ibrahim in collaboration with Chhota Rajan, which is ultimately foiled.
Promotions and key appointments
– 1988: Promoted to Director of Operations in the Intelligence Bureau (IB).
– 1999: Becomes Special Director of the IB, handling counter-terrorism and internal security operations.
– 2005: Retires as Director of the Intelligence Bureau after 37 years of service.
– 2009: Founds the Vivekananda International Foundation (VIF), a prominent think tank focusing on national security and policy.
– 2014: Appointed as India’s 5th National Security Advisor by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
– 2015: Supervises the cross-border strike against insurgents in Myanmar, a significant shift toward defensive-offensive strategy.
– 2016: Architects the surgical strikes in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir following the Uri attack.
– 2019: Oversees the Balakot airstrike in response to the Pulwama terror attack.
– 2019: Plays a pivotal role in the abrogation of Article 370, restructuring Jammu & Kashmir’s political framework.
Awards and recognition
– 1988: Receives the Kirti Chakra, India’s second-highest peacetime gallantry award, becoming the first police officer to be honored with this medal.
– 2020: Included in Fortune magazine’s list of the “World’s 50 Greatest Leaders” for his role in national security.
Controversies
– 2005: Allegations of misuse of the Dawood Ibrahim operation as a political tool.
– 2018: Criticized for alleged conflicts of interest involving his son’s business dealings with Pakistani nationals.
– 2019: Faces backlash for his direct involvement in the Kashmir lockdown post Article 370 abrogation.
Legacy and continuing impact
– 2022: Oversees strategic initiatives like QUAD and other alliances, strengthening India’s global security stance.
– Continues as NSA, focusing on emerging threats like cyber warfare, terrorism, and geopolitics in the Indo-Pacific region.
What we think about him
Doval’s influence is not limited to operational successes like the surgical strikes in Pakistan or the Balakot airstrikes; it extends to crafting long-term strategies like recalibrating India’s defense and foreign policies. His role in dismantling internal threats, such as insurgencies in the Northeast and Punjab, showcases his prowess in using diplomacy and intelligence as tools of statecraft. However, his approach has also drawn criticism, particularly regarding the Kashmir lockdown after the abrogation of Article 370 and allegations of overreach in domestic security. Despite these controversies, his contributions have left an indelible mark on India’s strategic landscape.
In the Indian context, Doval’s stature is comparable to that of K. Subrahmanyam, the architect of India’s nuclear policy, who played a pivotal role in shaping India’s strategic defense doctrine during the Cold War. Both individuals share a visionary approach to national security, leveraging their deep understanding of geopolitics to secure India’s interests. While Subrahmanyam focused on policy and deterrence, Doval combines hands-on operational experience with policy acumen, making him a unique figure in India’s security apparatus.
Ajit Doval represents a new breed of leadership where traditional espionage meets contemporary strategic thought, solidifying his legacy as one of India’s most impactful national security strategists.
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