The Doval Doctrine: The Extraordinary Life and Stealthy Diplomacy of Ajit Doval

In India’s contemporary history, few individuals have wielded as much influence from the shadows as Ajit Kumar Doval, the unassuming yet formidable spymaster who has served the nation with unparalleled dexterity.

For a man who has navigated the most treacherous terrains of espionage, counter-terrorism, and diplomacy, Doval’s story is not just one of service but of an unyielding commitment to India's strategic interests. His life reads like a gripping spy thriller, interspersed with episodes that have shaped India’s geopolitical landscape, from covert operations to high-level diplomacy.

The Genesis: Early Life and Formation of a Steely Resolve

Ajit Doval was born on January 20, 1945, in the picturesque town of Ghiri Banelsyun in Pauri Garhwal, in what was then the undivided state of Uttar Pradesh (now Uttarakhand). His upbringing in this serene yet rugged terrain perhaps laid the foundation for the calm and calculated approach he would later employ in high-stakes situations.

Doval hailed from a family with a strong military background; his father, Major G.N. Doval, served in the Indian Army, and this early exposure to the disciplined life of a soldier indelibly shaped his personality.

Doval was an exceptional student and displayed an early penchant for intellectual rigor. He pursued his education at Ajmer Military School (now Mayo College), where he imbibed the values of patriotism, discipline, and leadership. Later, he graduated with a master’s degree in Economics from the University of Agra in 1967, though his destiny was not to be in academia but in the murky waters of India’s intelligence network.

Into the Shadows: The Indian Police Service and the Intelligence Bureau

Ajit Doval’s career took a decisive turn when he joined the Indian Police Service (IPS) in 1968, in the Kerala cadre. While most bureaucrats spend their early years honing their administrative skills, Doval was quickly marked for his astuteness and ability to operate under pressure. His tenure in Kerala is often overshadowed by his later accomplishments, but it is here that Doval first sharpened his teeth in the world of internal security.

Kerala in the late 1960s and early 1970s was rife with political unrest, particularly the rise of left-wing extremism. As a young officer, Doval was thrust into the vortex of this struggle. His handling of various insurgent groups in the state earned him recognition for being a man who could navigate complex political landscapes while remaining firm in his mission.

It was during this period that Doval caught the eye of the Intelligence Bureau (IB), India's premier domestic intelligence agency. He was soon recruited into their ranks, where he would go on to carve a niche for himself as one of India’s most valuable assets. His initial assignments involved dealing with insurgencies and secessionist movements, skills that would later define his legacy.

The R&AW Era: Espionage in Enemy Territory

In the early 1970s, the Research and Analysis Wing (R&AW) was India’s fledgling external intelligence agency, created after the 1962 war with China and the 1965 conflict with Pakistan. Recognizing the need for officers who could not only think on their feet but also adapt to hostile environments, R&AW absorbed Doval, where he was dispatched on some of the most daring missions in Indian intelligence history.

Doval’s most notable contribution during this period was his covert operations in Pakistan. Not content with merely collecting intelligence, Doval posed as a Pakistani Muslim in Lahore for several years, moving within enemy circles to gather critical information for India. His ability to blend into the local populace and gain access to highly classified details of Pakistan’s military and intelligence operations was nothing short of remarkable. These exploits remain largely classified, but Doval’s infiltration into Pakistan is a testament to his extraordinary skills as a field operative.

His undercover work also included key operations in the North-Eastern states of India, which were at the time plagued by insurgencies. Doval is credited with the surrender of several top insurgent leaders and neutralizing anti-India movements in the region. His unmatched capacity to negotiate with militants while maintaining a strong hand in dealing with them earned him the moniker of the “spymaster” in intelligence circles.

The Mizoram Insurgency: A Lesson in Strategy and Diplomacy

One of Doval’s lesser-known but equally significant operations was his involvement in the Mizoram insurgency in the late 1970s. The Mizo National Front (MNF), under the leadership of Laldenga, had waged a violent separatist struggle against the Indian state. While conventional military tactics were proving ineffective, Doval once again employed his unique blend of strategic diplomacy and coercion.

Posing as a member of the rebel group, Doval infiltrated the MNF ranks and convinced several high-ranking members to switch sides. His success in this operation led to the eventual signing of the Mizo Accord in 1986, which brought an end to the insurgency and integrated Mizoram peacefully into the Indian Union. Doval’s role in this episode was kept under wraps for many years, but his actions are credited with preventing what could have been a prolonged and bloody conflict.

Operation Black Thunder: Doval’s Triumph at the Golden Temple

Perhaps one of the most publicized chapters of Ajit Doval’s career was his role in the 1988 Operation Black Thunder, which was aimed at flushing out terrorists who had taken refuge in the Golden Temple in Amritsar. The situation bore eerie similarities to the 1984 Operation Blue Star, which had led to widespread violence and the eventual assassination of Prime Minister Indira Gandhi.

This time, the Indian government, under the leadership of Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi, sought a different approach, one that minimized collateral damage and avoided the pitfalls of Operation Blue Star. Doval, at the forefront of the Intelligence Bureau’s strategy, played a critical role in negotiating with the militants holed up inside the temple. His cool-headedness and tactical acumen resulted in the peaceful surrender of the insurgents without the bloodshed that had marred the previous operation. Doval’s success in this mission elevated his stature within the Indian intelligence community as a man who could deliver under the most challenging circumstances.

Doval’s Tenure in the IB: From Spymaster to Director

Ajit Doval’s trajectory within the Intelligence Bureau was meteoric. He served as the head of operations and, by the early 2000s, was appointed the Director of the IB. Under his stewardship, the organization saw significant reforms, particularly in its counter-terrorism capabilities. Doval was instrumental in modernizing the agency, integrating newer surveillance technologies, and fostering greater collaboration between various arms of India’s security apparatus.

During his tenure, India was grappling with the aftermath of the Kargil War, and terrorism emanating from Pakistan and its proxies posed a significant threat to national security. Doval was at the forefront of the IB’s efforts to neutralize these threats, with several high-profile terrorist cells being dismantled under his watch.

National Security Advisor: Architect of India’s Covert Strategy

In 2014, with the election of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Ajit Doval was appointed as India’s National Security Advisor (NSA), a role that solidified his position as one of the most influential figures in Indian security and foreign policy. In this capacity, Doval has been instrumental in shaping India’s response to terrorism, particularly in the aftermath of the Uri and Pulwama attacks, which resulted in India’s decisive surgical strikes and the Balakot airstrikes inside Pakistan. His strategic thinking has shifted India’s posture from defensive to offensive, particularly in dealing with cross-border terrorism.

Doval’s role has not been confined to just counter-terrorism; he has been deeply involved in diplomatic initiatives, particularly with China and the United States. His handling of the Doklam standoff with China in 2017 was a masterclass in diplomacy, where India managed to de-escalate tensions without compromising its territorial integrity.

Moreover, Doval’s approach to national security has been holistic. He has emphasized the importance of economic security, cyber defense, and securing India’s critical infrastructure. His influence on India’s foreign policy, particularly in crafting a more assertive posture vis-à-vis Pakistan and China, has been profound.

Conclusion: A Life Lived in Service to the Nation

Ajit Doval’s career, spanning over five decades, has been a testament to the power of quiet diplomacy, strategic foresight, and unflinching dedication to national service. His contributions to India’s internal and external security are unparalleled, and his legacy as the country’s premier spymaster and strategist will undoubtedly endure for generations.

From his early days in the IPS to his daring operations in Pakistan and his current role as the NSA, Ajit Doval has lived a life marked by a profound commitment to safeguarding India’s sovereignty. A man of few words but decisive action, Doval’s life serves as a reminder that the defense of a nation often hinges on the quiet, unsung efforts of those who operate in the shadows.

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