Part I: The Making of a Strategist

Roots in the Hills

Ajit Kumar Doval was born on January 20, 1945, in Ghiri Banelsyun, a remote village in Pauri Garhwal, then part of the United Provinces under British India (now Uttarakhand). His father, Major G. N. Doval, served in the Indian Army, instilling in him a sense of discipline and patriotism early on. Doval's formative years at the Ajmer Military School, followed by a master's degree in economics from Agra University in 1967, laid the groundwork for his analytical prowess and strategic thinking.

Entering the Intelligence Arena

In 1968, Doval joined the Indian Police Service (IPS), Kerala cadre. He cracked the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) exam on his first attempt at the age of 22. His exceptional aptitude quickly propelled him into the Intelligence Bureau (IB), where he specialized in counter-insurgency and internal security. By 1972, he had become the youngest officer to receive the Police Medal for meritorious service, a testament to his dedication and skill.

Part II: The Undercover Years

Infiltrating the Golden Temple

In the Shadow of the Temple: Ajit Doval and the Battle for Punjab. In the late 1970s, storm clouds gathered over India’s northwestern state of Punjab. A mix of political missteps, religious polarization, and socio-economic disenchantment gave rise to the Khalistan movement—an armed push by extremist Sikh factions to carve out a separate nation. It wasn’t a singular uprising, but a tangled knot of ideology, identity, and insurgency that caught the Indian establishment off guard.

The movement’s firebrand figurehead was Jarnail Singh Bhindranwale, a preacher turned militant commander. Charismatic, radical, and backed by a growing legion of armed followers, Bhindranwale entrenched himself in the Golden Temple in Amritsar—Sikhism’s holiest site—turning it into a militant fortress. By 1984, this holy sanctuary was not just a place of worship; it was a war zone bristling with AK-47s and RPGs.

The government responded with Operation Blue Star in June 1984, sending the Indian Army into the temple complex. The operation succeeded in eliminating Bhindranwale and his men, but at a devastating cost. Hundreds died. The sacred Akal Takht was riddled with bullets. The community’s collective soul was scorched. The assassination of Prime Minister Indira Gandhi by her Sikh bodyguards a few months later only intensified the trauma, unleashing horrific anti-Sikh riots across the country.

What followed was a decade-long insurgency—one of the bloodiest in India’s post-independence history. Punjab became a crucible of violence. It was into this landscape that Ajit Doval stepped, not with guns but with guile.

At the time, Doval was an officer in the Intelligence Bureau, specializing in counter-insurgency. He didn’t wear uniforms. He didn’t make speeches. He operated in silence, in disguise, and in danger. To infiltrate the extremist networks brewing once again in the Golden Temple in the late 1980s, Doval did something few dared: he walked into the lion’s den pretending to be one of them.

Disguised as a Pakistani operative, fluent in Urdu and steeped in local dialects, Doval entered the temple complex under the pretence of aiding the militants. What he was really doing was mapping their defences, identifying key figures, and feeding the Indian security apparatus with vital intelligence. His actions laid the groundwork for what would become Operation Black Thunder.

Unlike Operation Blue Star, which was militaristic and blunt, Operation Black Thunder (May 1988) was surgical. Led by the National Security Guard (NSG) and Punjab Police, it relied on Doval’s intelligence to isolate and outmanoeuvre the militants. Surrounding the temple, security forces cut off water and power, broadcast messages encouraging surrender, and used psychological tactics to demoralize the militants. Doval, embedded inside, subtly influenced the group leaders to accept the inevitable.

After days of tension, the militants surrendered—without a full-scale assault. Dozens walked out of the holy site with hands raised, guns lowered, and spirits broken. There were no mass casualties. The sanctity of the temple was preserved. The contrast to Operation Blue Star was stark—and deliberate.

While the term "Operation Black Panther" appears more in informal circles than official records, it’s often used to refer to Doval's clandestine missions and intelligence manoeuvres in Punjab during this period, possibly encompassing a series of covert ops he directed or influenced. The reference symbolizes the silent, stalking nature of his work—deadly but unseen.

For his bravery and strategic brilliance, Doval was later awarded the Kirti Chakra, one of India’s highest peacetime gallantry awards. It was an unusual honour for a man in civilian clothing, but there was nothing usual about what he had achieved.

More than just defeating insurgents, Doval helped reclaim the soul of Punjab—not through force, but through strategy, restraint, and understanding of the terrain both physical and psychological.

Today, Operation Black Thunder is remembered not just as a tactical victory but as a case study in precision counter-terrorism. And at the centre of that story, operating from behind enemy lines, was Ajit Doval—the man who proved that sometimes, the most powerful weapon in a battle is a calm mind and the courage to walk into darkness with no guarantee of return.

His intelligence gathering was instrumental in the National Security Guard's (NSG) successful operation to flush out the militants with minimal casualties and damage to the sacred site. For his bravery, Doval was awarded the Kirti Chakra, becoming the first police officer to receive this military honour.

The Pakistan Assignment: A Spy’s Tale

In the shadowed corridors of espionage, few tales are as riveting as that of Ajit Doval's undercover mission in Pakistan. Operating under deep cover for over six years, Doval's assignment was not just a test of intelligence but of identity, resilience, and unwavering commitment to national security.

Assuming a New Identity

To seamlessly integrate into Pakistani society, Doval adopted the guise of a Muslim. He immersed himself in the local culture, mastering Urdu and familiarizing himself with regional customs and traditions. This transformation was meticulous, ensuring that every aspect of his persona aligned with his new identity.

The Maulana's Suspicion

One of the most perilous moments of his mission occurred in Lahore. While passing by a renowned dargah, an elderly Maulana stopped him and inquired, “Are you a Hindu?” The question was unexpected and posed a significant threat to his cover. Doval, maintaining his composure, denied the claim. However, the Maulana pointed out the piercings in his ears—a cultural marker uncommon among Muslim men in Pakistan. Thinking swiftly, Doval explained that he was born Hindu but had converted to Islam. The Maulana, seemingly convinced, invited him to his home, revealing hidden idols of Hindu deities, indicating his own complex religious identity. This encounter underscored the constant danger Doval faced and his adeptness at navigating such challenges.

Gathering Crucial Intelligence

Throughout his tenure in Pakistan, Doval meticulously gathered intelligence on the country's military capabilities, nuclear assets, and strategic intentions. His insights were instrumental in informing India's defence strategies and diplomatic engagements. Operating in such a high-stakes environment required not only analytical prowess but also the ability to remain undetected amidst constant surveillance.

Return and Continued Service

After completing his mission, Doval returned to India, bringing with him invaluable intelligence. His experiences in Pakistan significantly influenced his approach to national security, emphasizing proactive measures and deep strategic understanding. These principles later became the cornerstone of what many refer to as the "Doval Doctrine."

Part III: Strategic Operations and National Security

Operation Sindoor (April 2025): A Strategic Response to Terrorism

In April 2025, a devastating terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, claimed the lives of 26 civilians. This tragedy prompted the Indian government to initiate Operation Sindoor, a calculated and precise counter-terrorism operation targeting terrorist infrastructure in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir (PoJK).

NSA Ajit Doval, renowned for his strategic acumen, was instrumental in orchestrating this operation. He coordinated with various national and international stakeholders to ensure the operation's objectives were met without escalating tensions. Doval's diplomatic engagements included briefing counterparts from countries such as the United States, Japan, and Russia, emphasizing India's commitment to combating terrorism while maintaining regional stability.

The operation was characterized by its precision and restraint, focusing solely on terrorist targets and avoiding civilian casualties. Doval's leadership ensured that the operation was executed effectively, reinforcing India's stance against cross-border terrorism and showcasing its capability to respond decisively to threats.

Operation Sunrise (2019): Joint Indo-Myanmar Counter-Insurgency Effort

In 2019, India and Myanmar launched Operation Sunrise, a coordinated military campaign aimed at dismantling insurgent groups operating along the Indo-Myanmar border. These groups posed significant threats to regional stability and infrastructure projects, notably the Kaladan Multi-Modal Transit Transport Project.

Ajit Doval played a crucial role in facilitating this joint operation. His efforts included diplomatic negotiations with Myanmar's military leadership and strategic planning to synchronize operations between the two nations. The operation unfolded in two phases: the first between February and March, and the second from May to June 2019.

The collaborative efforts led to the successful targeting and neutralization of several insurgent camps, significantly reducing the operational capabilities of groups such as the Arakan Army and the National Socialist Council of Nagaland. Doval's involvement was pivotal in ensuring the operation's success, highlighting his commitment to regional security and counter-insurgency initiatives.

Part IV: The National Security Advisor

Appointment and Tenure: A Shift in Strategic Gravity

When Ajit Doval was appointed as India’s fifth National Security Advisor (NSA) on May 30, 2014, it signalled a dramatic shift in how India intended to handle its national security framework. Until then, the NSA role had largely been viewed as advisory and bureaucratic. But Doval, a career intelligence officer with decades of field experience, brought operational weight, diplomatic reach, and strategic depth to the table.

The decision by Prime Minister Narendra Modi to hand Doval the NSA role was not just about security—it was about centralizing strategic vision, unifying intelligence operations, and bringing a doctrine-driven approach to defence and foreign policy. Doval’s background—spanning Pakistan, Kashmir, the Northeast, and counter-terrorism—meant India now had an NSA who not only analysed threats but had neutralized them on the ground.

In his first few years, Doval became the architect of India’s new, proactive security doctrine:

• 2016 Surgical Strikes: After the deadly Uri attack, Doval’s strategic counsel led to the unprecedented cross-LoC strikes on terrorist camps. This marked the first official acknowledgment of offensive retaliation by India.
• 2017 Doklam Standoff: Doval coordinated backchannel diplomacy with China during a near-war situation in Bhutan. The crisis ended with mutual disengagement—without a bullet fired.
• 2018 Defence Planning Committee (DPC): He was appointed chairperson of the newly created DPC, a powerful body tasked with integrating long-term military planning, intelligence priorities, and foreign policy imperatives. This move officially enshrined his position as the nerve centre of India’s strategic apparatus.

Under Doval, the NSA’s office transformed from a shadowy corner of South Block to a command hub with sweeping influence over:

• India’s defence posture.
• Counter-terror strategy.
• Cybersecurity frameworks.
• Intelligence consolidation.
• Foreign policy in conflict zones (e.g., Afghanistan, Myanmar, Maldives).

Reappointment and Continued Influence (June 2024)

In June 2024, following the third electoral victory of the Modi government, Ajit Doval was reappointed NSA. With this, he became India’s longest-serving National Security Advisor, eclipsing even the tenures of predecessors like M.K. Narayanan and Brajesh Mishra.

But this wasn’t just about longevity—it was about trust. The reappointment was seen as a signal that the continuity of strategic doctrine mattered more than ever in a volatile global environment:

• China was becoming more assertive in the Indo-Pacific.
• Pakistan was still a breeding ground for proxy warfare.
• Emerging technologies like AI, cyber warfare, and quantum communications demanded security leadership with vision and adaptability.

In his third term, Doval continues to:

• Shape India’s doctrine of strategic autonomy, particularly in relation to QUAD, BRICS, and SCO platforms.
• Strengthen defence diplomacy—India’s growing military engagements with the US, France, Japan, and ASEAN bear his signature.
• Navigate complex regional relationships—his behind-the-scenes negotiations helped defuse flare-ups in the Middle East and Central Asia that could have impacted Indian diaspora or energy supply chains.

Doval’s tenure as NSA is not just notable for how long it has lasted, but for how fundamentally it has redefined the position. From a bureaucratic advisor to a full-spectrum national strategist, his career as NSA is arguably the most consequential in independent India’s history.

Part V: Facing Opposition and Upholding Integrity

Navigating Political Challenges

Ajit Doval’s rise to the pinnacle of India’s national security establishment was never without friction. As a public figure involved in high-stakes decision-making, he has been both admired and questioned for his assertive and unorthodox strategies.

Criticism has often emerged from segments of academia, media, and civil society who argue that his approach is too aggressive or overly centralized. Doval’s firm stand on issues like cross-border strikes, intelligence-driven diplomacy, and surveillance-based counter-terror tactics has occasionally drawn concern from those who favour a softer, more negotiation-heavy stance in security affairs.

Moreover, because he operates at the intersection of defence, intelligence, and foreign affairs, his role often overlaps with political priorities. While he himself is a non-political figure, some of the operations and decisions he has overseen—such as the abrogation of Article 370, surgical strikes in 2016, and his involvement in shaping anti-terror laws—have inevitably become lightning rods for political debate.

Despite these pressures, Doval has consistently avoided the limelight, refusing public spats or media rebuttals. His philosophy seems rooted in the belief that results, not rhetoric, define success. His stoic approach, even under scrutiny, has only strengthened his standing as a professional who places institutional responsibility above public validation.

Upholding National Interests

What makes Ajit Doval unique in India's strategic community is not just his long tenure or the daring missions he’s known for—it’s his uncompromising focus on the nation’s core interests, even when the decisions are unpopular or difficult.

In every major security crisis over the past decade—be it infiltration attempts at the border, cyber threats, or domestic insurgencies—Doval has worked behind the scenes to ensure that India’s sovereignty and public safety are protected. And yet, he has done so in a manner that avoids needless provocation or escalation.

His ability to keep a cool head in emotionally charged situations has earned him respect even among those who may disagree with his methods. Whether it's handling diplomatic flashpoints with neighbouring countries or coordinating disaster responses, Doval's role has been defined by resilience and resolve.

Personal and Familial Pressures

It's important to acknowledge that the high-profile, high-risk nature of Ajit Doval's work has also come with personal challenges. Being at the centre of national security decisions naturally invites attention—not all of it supportive.

At various points in his career, particularly after bold operations or legislative developments, Doval and his family have faced public criticism and intense media scrutiny. This includes speculative stories and targeted narratives that sought to discredit either his record or his neutrality.

However, none of these challenges have ever been substantiated in any official capacity. His integrity has been upheld across successive governments and administrations, which have consistently shown confidence in his judgment and reappointed him to key roles.

Through it all, his family has reportedly maintained a low profile, staying away from the public discourse, and supporting his mission in the background. This personal resilience—staying focused while under the microscope—is a defining part of what has enabled Doval to endure and succeed in such a pressurized role.

Overcoming with Discipline and Silence

Ajit Doval’s method of overcoming opposition is not to confront it publicly, but to outlast it quietly. He doesn’t hold press conferences or issue clarifications. He doesn't respond to commentary or debate in the public domain. Instead, he allows his track record—and India's security posture under his stewardship—to speak for itself.

That’s not silence born of indifference. It’s silence born of discipline.

In many ways, Doval's greatest strength is that he has remained a servant of the state, not of any ideology or party. His primary commitment has always been to the Indian Constitution and the safety of its citizens.

Part VII: Covert Wars and Tactical Brilliance

Surgical Strikes of 2016

One of the most publicly visible demonstrations of Doval’s strategic mindset came after the Uri terror attack on September 18, 2016, when 19 Indian soldiers were killed by Pakistan-based militants. As NSA, Doval worked closely with the military leadership and Prime Minister Narendra Modi to plan and execute what came to be known as the “surgical strikes” on September 28-29, 2016.

Under his guidance, Indian Special Forces crossed the Line of Control (LoC) into Pakistan-occupied Kashmir and destroyed several terrorist launch pads. These strikes marked a paradigm shift in India's approach to cross-border terrorism—one where action spoke louder than diplomatic condemnation.

The operations were executed with clinical precision, and the Indian government, for the first time, publicly acknowledged a cross-border strike. Doval’s role in strategizing and overseeing this mission from the war room in South Block underlined his hands-on leadership style and realpolitik philosophy.

"We will retaliate at a time and place of our choosing." — Ajit Doval, as quoted by officials during a closed-door briefing.

Part VIII: Doklam and the Chessboard of China

In June 2017, Indian and Chinese troops engaged in a tense 73-day military standoff on the Doklam plateau—a strategic trijunction between India, China, and Bhutan. The People's Liberation Army (PLA) attempted to build a road through Bhutanese territory, which India objected to due to its proximity to the Siliguri Corridor, also known as the “Chicken's Neck,” a narrow passage connecting mainland India to its northeastern states.

Doval, leveraging his diplomatic and intelligence background, was at the forefront of backchannel negotiations. He travelled to Beijing in July 2017 as part of the BRICS NSA-level talks, which proved instrumental in resolving the crisis.

India’s firm stance, shaped in part by Doval's doctrine of “defensive offense,” ensured that the PLA halted its road construction. More importantly, the crisis ended without a shot being fired, showcasing India’s resolve and strategic maturity under Doval’s guidance.

Part IX: Revocation of Article 370

On August 5, 2019, the Indian government abrogated Article 370 of the Constitution, stripping Jammu and Kashmir of its special status. This bold political and constitutional move had deep security implications.

Doval was central to the operation’s planning and execution. He visited Srinagar days before the announcement, taking charge of ground-level coordination between intelligence agencies, police, and the paramilitary. He stayed in Kashmir during the volatile post-revocation period, even dining with locals in Shopian and engaging with civil society to build confidence.

While the decision faced criticism domestically and internationally, it was implemented without large-scale violence—testament to the detailed strategic and tactical groundwork laid by Doval and his team.

Part X: Legacy and Impact

The Doval Doctrine: Strategy from the Shadows

Long before his name echoed through newsrooms and national security briefings, Ajit Doval was already shaping India's strategic thought—quietly, methodically, invisibly.

Over the years, his approach evolved into what insiders and analysts now call the Doval Doctrine. It's not a formal document. You won't find it outlined in any white paper. But its imprint is unmistakable on every major security policy India has adopted over the past decade.

This doctrine doesn’t seek confrontation, but it doesn't run from it either. It begins with a simple premise: Security is not a reaction; it’s a posture. And posture must come from strength—not just military might, but clarity of purpose.

Doval’s worldview was shaped in the narrow alleys of Lahore, the foggy valleys of Kashmir, and the high-stakes corridors of diplomacy. He saw first-hand that intelligence without action was noise. And action without intelligence was chaos. His model integrated both into a seamless machinery of pre-emptive moves and calculated restraint.

To Doval, every threat—whether from a terrorist cell, a foreign power, or a cyber intruder—deserved the same level of seriousness, and every response had to be precise, proportionate, and permanent. This is why India's response to security threats under his guidance became less predictable but more decisive.

From surgical strikes across the LoC, to defusing the Doklam standoff without firing a bullet, to guiding the strategy behind cyber and information warfare readiness—the Doval Doctrine meant India would no longer wait to be hit. It would strike first if it had to. Quietly, if possible. Loudly, if needed.

This doctrine, at its core, restored the idea of strategic autonomy. Doval didn't believe in outsourcing national security to alliances or foreign patrons. He believed in partnerships, yes—but never in dependence. In a multipolar world, India, under his guidance, began to walk straighter, speak firmer, and act faster.

But there’s another side to Doval’s legacy—not of action, but of architecture.

Part XI: The Man Who Never Really Retired

Ajit Doval officially retired as Director of the Intelligence Bureau in 2005. But retirement for Doval was only the beginning of a new chapter.

In 2009, he founded the Vivekananda International Foundation (VIF), an independent think tank that soon became a brain trust for strategic affairs. It attracted top minds from the military, diplomacy, and academia. Through the VIF, Doval stayed connected to the policy ecosystem, influencing debates on China, Pakistan, and internal security.

By 2014, when Narendra Modi assumed office as Prime Minister, Doval was the natural choice for National Security Advisor. His appointment marked a shift from a bureaucratic to an operational and proactive approach to national security.

Part XII: Personal Philosophy and Influence

Ajit Doval's strategic outlook has coalesced into what analysts which rests on several key pillars:

• Defensive Offense: Take the fight to the enemy while maintaining plausible deniability.
• Zero Tolerance on Terror: State-sponsored terrorism must be met with decisive response.
• Integrated Security: Merge intelligence, diplomacy, and military responses into one continuum.
• Strategic Autonomy: While partnerships are welcome, India must define its own national interest.
• Public Confidence: National security is as much about perception management as about operations.

Part XIII: Legacy and What Lies Ahead

Ajit Doval’s legacy will be debated for years to come. To some, he is India’s James Bond. To others, he is the quintessential Machiavellian figure, navigating backchannels and crafting strategies that shift regional geopolitics.

He redefined what it means to be a National Security Advisor—transforming the role from a ceremonial post to the engine room of India’s strategic policy. Whether it's the Balakot air strikes, the diplomatic navigation of the Quad, or ground-level operations in Kashmir, Doval’s fingerprints are all over India's national security blueprint.

With a third term under Prime Minister Modi underway as of 2024, Doval’s continued influence will shape the coming decade’s responses to an increasingly volatile global order—from the South China Sea to cyber wars to artificial intelligence in warfare.

Conclusion: Shadow, Strategy, and Sovereignty

Ajit Doval is not just a spymaster. He is a symbol of India’s strategic ambition in the 21st century. In a country that has often reacted rather than led on the global stage, Doval brought a change in posture—one that is assertive, calculated, and unapologetic.

From the by lanes of Lahore to the power corridors of Delhi, from the silence of Kashmir’s mountains to the echo chambers of the UN, Doval’s career reflects the journey of India itself—rising, resilient, and ready to write its own rules.

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References:

1. https://www.mha.gov.in
2. https://www.mod.gov.in
3. National Security Council Secretariat (NSCS)
4. "Mission R&AW" by R.K. Yadav
5. "A Feast of Vultures" by Josy Joseph (HarperCollins, 2016)
6. "Operation Blue Star: The True Story" by Lt Gen K.S. Brar
7. https://www.indiatoday.in
8. https://www.ndtv.com
9. https://organiser.org
10. The Hindu and The Indian Express – Coverage of Operation Sunrise (2019) and cross-border strikes.
11. https://www.vifindia.org
12. Ajit Doval – Wikipedia
13. Operation Black Thunder
14. Operation Sunrise (2019)
15. https://news24online.com