Ajit Kumar Doval, a distinguished figure in Indian national security, has had a remarkable career spanning decades. His contributions to India’s intelligence and security landscape are significant and far-reaching.
Wiki/Biography
Ajit Doval was born on January 20, 1945, in Ghiri Banelsyun, Pauri Garhwal, British India (now Uttarakhand). He attended the King George’s Royal Indian Military School in Ajmer, Rajasthan, and later earned a Master’s degree in Economics from Agra University in 1967.
Family & Caste
He comes from a Brahmin family. His father, Gunanad Doval, served in the army. Ajit Doval is married to Anu Doval and has two sons: Vivek Doval, a chartered financial analyst based in Singapore, and Shaurya Doval, an Indian diplomat.
Career
Doval joined the Indian Police Service (IPS) in 1968 from the Kerala cadre. He played a crucial role in counter-insurgency operations in Punjab and Mizoram.
His career highlights include:
- Negotiating the release of hostages from the IC-814 hijacking in 1999.
- Successfully resolving numerous airline hijackings between 1971 and 1999.
- Leading the Intelligence Bureau’s Operations Wing for nearly a decade.
- Serving as Director of the Intelligence Bureau (2004-05).
- Founding the Multi-Agency Centre (MAC) and the Joint Task Force on Intelligence (JTFI).
- Securing the release of Romanian diplomat Liviu Radu.
- His seven-year undercover stint in Pakistan.
- Playing a key role in Operation Black Thunder in Punjab.
- Serving as India’s National Security Advisor since 2014.
He also played a vital role in the integration of Sikkim into India and spent significant time in Burma and Chinese territory during his career.
| Role | Years | Significant Achievements |
|---|---|---|
| IPS Officer (Kerala Cadre) | 1968 – 2005 | Counter-insurgency operations in Punjab and Mizoram |
| Head, IB Operations Wing | 1990s | Numerous successful counter-terrorism operations |
| Director, Intelligence Bureau | 2004-2005 | Strengthening of national intelligence capabilities |
| National Security Advisor | 2014-Present | Overseeing national security policy and strategy |
Awards
Ajit Doval’s accomplishments have been recognized with numerous awards, including:
- Police Medal
- President’s Police Medal
- Kirti Chakra (the first police officer to receive this award)
Facts
Doval holds the distinction of being the youngest police officer to receive the Police Medal. His undercover work in Pakistan, during which he convincingly posed as a Muslim, is legendary.
Following his retirement, he continued to contribute to national security through editorials, lectures, and participation in global events. He founded the Vivekananda International Foundation in 2009, a prominent think tank focusing on strategic issues.
His infiltration of the Golden Temple during Operation Black Thunder, disguised as a rickshaw puller, is a testament to his courage and resourcefulness. He successfully convinced militants he was an ISI operative, gathering crucial intelligence.
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