Ajit Doval Birthday: 5 Times NSA Proved He Is India’s ‘James Bond’

National Security Adviser (NSA), Ajit Kumar Doval turns 75 today. For his contribution to national security, Doval as NSA was given a five-year extension and a Cabinet rank in the government. Known to be a hawkish thinker Doval has carried out multiple covert missions in his career as an Intelligence Bureau (IB) agent. He retired in January 2005 as the chief of Intelligence Bureau. After a few years in uniform, he had worked as an intelligence officer for over 33 years during which he had served in the Northeast, Jammu and Kashmir and Punjab.

Ajit Doval, a 1968-batch IPS (retired) officer, known as one of the best operational brains within intelligence circles, was India's main negotiator with the hijackers of Indian Airlines plane IC-814 taken to Kandahar in 1999.

These are the famous statements given by India's National Security Advisor Ajit Kumar Doval during his public appearances.

• India has a mentality to punch below its weight. We should not punch below our weight or above our weight, but improve our weight and punch proportionately.
• Do not overreact (on Kashmir unrest), it will pass off as they cannot sustain beyond a point.
• The supreme interest of the country has to be protected.
• The war is on till we are victorious.
• If you make a provocation, you are partly responsible. But if you are not able to exercise power, it is as good as not having it.
• You may do one Mumbai; you may lose Balochistan.

Doval had played a key role during the Balakot air strike after the Pulwama terror attack and the cross-border surgical strike. He also drew praise for his role during the 73-day stand-off between India and China at Doklam — situated at a tri-junction between India, China and Bhutan.

He was awarded the Kirti Chakra in 1988 for conducting anti-insurgency operations in Mizoram and bringing Mizo insurgent leader Laldenga to the negotiating table by winning over six of his seven commanders. He had also clandestinely entered Myanmar and China to break the dominance of Mizo insurgent outfit.

Known for his clear insight into and vision on Indian and global security issues, Doval has spoken extensively at home and abroad on strengthening the Indian security apparatus and forging closer cooperation among security forces globally.