Ajit Doval: The Indian James Bond | National Security Advisor | UPSC GS

Summary

Ajit Doval, India's National Security Advisor, is often called India's James Bond, a title he earned through his exceptional career in intelligence and national security. His daring missions, from infiltrating hostile territories to negotiating complex peace deals, have earned him a reputation as one of the most influential and powerful bureaucrats in India. His strategic brilliance, resilience, and risk-taking in operations such as Operation Black Thunder, the rescue of Indian nurses from ISIS captivity, and handling major crises like the surgical strikes, have left an indelible mark on India's security landscape.

Takeaways

• 😀 Ajit Doval, often referred to as India's James Bond, is a powerful and influential National Security Advisor (NSA) who has earned a reputation for handling India’s security and intelligence matters with skill and ingenuity.
• 😀 Doval was born in Pauri Garhwal, Uttarakhand, into a military family and pursued his education at the Ajmer Military School and the University of Agra, where he earned a master's degree in Economics.
• 😀 In 1968, Ajit Doval joined the Indian Police Service (IPS) and made a significant impact during his early assignments, especially during communal tensions in Kerala in 1971, where he successfully quelled violence with his strategic skills.
• 😀 His outstanding work in Kerala caught the attention of senior officials, leading to his transfer to the Intelligence Bureau (IB), where he embarked on his journey as an intelligence officer.
• 😀 Doval’s most notable achievements include his role in the Mizo insurgency in Mizoram, where he cleverly manipulated the insurgents and negotiated a peaceful resolution, earning him a Gallantry award.
• 😀 Doval also played a key role in successfully integrating the princely state of Sikkim into India in the 1970s, using his strategic acumen and negotiation skills to navigate complex political scenarios.
• 😀 His operations against militancy in Punjab, especially his involvement in Operation Black Thunder, helped dismantle the remaining militant presence in the Golden Temple in Amritsar, using disguise and psychological tactics.
• 😀 In the 1980s, Doval’s intelligence work was crucial in uncovering Pakistan's nuclear program, where he operated covertly in Pakistan to gather critical information, further showcasing his spycraft expertise.
• 😀 Doval’s negotiation skills were crucial in resolving the hijacking of Indian Airlines Flight 814 in 1999, where his sharp mind led to the safe return of passengers, despite terrorist demands.
• 😀 After retiring from the Intelligence Bureau in 2005, Doval continued to play a pivotal role in national security, especially after being appointed as India’s National Security Advisor in 2014, where he handled critical challenges like the ISIS threat in Iraq and the surgical strikes against Pakistan.

Q & A

Who is Ajit Doval and why is he referred to as 'India's James Bond'?

Ajit Doval is India's National Security Advisor (NSA), often referred to as 'India's James Bond' due to his extensive career in intelligence and espionage. He is known for his strategic operations, intelligence gathering, and contributions to India’s national security, making him one of the most powerful bureaucrats in the country.

What were some of Ajit Doval's early career accomplishments?

Ajit Doval joined the Indian Police Service (IPS) and served as an Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) in Kerala. He gained prominence by handling communal riots in 1971 in Kerala, bringing peace between conflicting communities, which led to his selection for India's Intelligence Bureau (IB).

How did Ajit Doval contribute to resolving the Mizo insurgency in the 1970s?

Ajit Doval played a crucial role in ending the Mizo insurgency by infiltrating the rebel leadership of the Mizo National Front. He successfully manipulated the insurgents' internal dynamics, which led to the leader Laldenga's surrender and the eventual peace agreement, bringing Mizoram back into the Indian Union.

What role did Ajit Doval play during Operation Blue Star and Operation Black Thunder?

During Operation Blue Star, Ajit Doval was involved in the strategy to clear militants from the Golden Temple in Amritsar. In Operation Black Thunder, he played a key role by infiltrating militants posing as a rickshaw-puller, gathering intelligence that helped the Indian military successfully eliminate the remaining militants.

How did Ajit Doval contribute to India's efforts against Pakistan's nuclear program?

Ajit Doval, working undercover, infiltrated Pakistan and gathered critical intelligence about Pakistan’s nuclear program. His efforts led to India receiving detailed information, which helped monitor Pakistan's nuclear developments and form strategic responses, including preventing nuclear proliferation.

What are some of Ajit Doval's key intelligence operations?

Some of his key operations include his covert work during the 1988 nuclear intelligence gathering in Pakistan, his role in preventing further militancy in Kashmir, and his involvement in counterterrorism operations during incidents like the 1999 Kandahar hijacking.

What major achievement did Ajit Doval accomplish during his tenure in Kashmir?

Ajit Doval was instrumental in controlling militancy in Kashmir in the 1990s. He successfully negotiated with insurgents, turning some of them against Pakistan and ensuring a reduction in violence. His skills in negotiation and intelligence gathering were critical in restoring peace during that period.

What happened during the 1999 Indian Airlines hijacking, and how did Ajit Doval intervene?

During the 1999 Indian Airlines hijacking, terrorists demanded the release of several militants. Ajit Doval played a key role in managing negotiations, ultimately ensuring the release of only three terrorists instead of all the demands, saving the lives of the passengers while minimizing India’s concessions.

What were some of Ajit Doval's significant post-retirement contributions?

Post-retirement, Ajit Doval remained active in national security matters, establishing the Vivekananda International Foundation in 2009 and advising the Indian government on security policy. He continued to promote India’s national security goals through lectures and writings.

How did Ajit Doval respond to the threat of ISIS in Iraq in 2015?

In 2015, when ISIS kidnapped 46 Indian nurses in Iraq, Ajit Doval managed to conduct a secret operation in collaboration with the Iraqi government. He successfully brought the nurses back to India without any casualties, showcasing his effectiveness in handling complex international crises.