Rickshaw Spy: Ajit Doval’s Daring Infiltration of the Golden Temple; know career highlights here

Bhubaneswar: Ajit Kumar Doval, India's fifth National Security Advisor (NSA), has led a life that reads like a spy thriller. Born on January 20, 1945, in Ghiri Banelsyun, a village in Pauri Garhwal, Uttarakhand, Doval's journey from a small-town boy to the nation's top intelligence officer is both inspiring and intriguing.

Join the Whatsapp Channel to Get News updates in english

Early Life and Education

Growing up in a military family, Doval was exposed to discipline and service from a young age. He completed his schooling at King George's Royal Indian Military School in Ajmer, Rajasthan, and graduated with a Master's degree in Economics from Agra University in 1967. In 2017, he was awarded an honorary doctorate in science by Agra University.

Joining the Indian Police Service

In 1968, Doval joined the Indian Police Service (IPS) in the Kerala cadre. His early assignments included handling anti-insurgency operations in Mizoram and Punjab, where he gained a reputation for his strategic thinking and undercover operations.

Undercover Operations and the 'James Bond' Moniker

Doval's most daring assignment came when he was posted in Pakistan. For seven years, he operated undercover, gathering critical intelligence. His fluency in Urdu and deep understanding of Pakistani culture and politics made him an effective operative. This period earned him the nickname 'Indian James Bond.' 

Key Operations and Achievements

• Operation Black Thunder (1988): Doval infiltrated the Golden Temple in Amritsar, posing as a rickshaw puller. He gathered vital intelligence on Khalistani militants holed up inside, aiding the Indian Army in executing a successful operation. 

• IC-814 Hijacking (1999): During the hijacking of Indian Airlines flight IC-814, Doval was part of the negotiation team. His efforts were instrumental in securing the release of hostages, although he later described the incident as a diplomatic failure due to external factors. 

• Rescue of 46 Nurses (2014): In a covert operation, Doval orchestrated the safe release of 46 Indian nurses held captive by ISIS in Iraq. Details of the mission remain classified and are expected to be declassified in 50 years. 

Director of Intelligence Bureau

In 2004, Doval was appointed Director of the Intelligence Bureau (IB), where he served until 2005. During his tenure, he was involved in several high-profile operations and played a key role in restructuring the agency. 

National Security Advisor

In 2014, Doval was appointed as India's National Security Advisor. Under his leadership, India's security policies have become more proactive and assertive. In 2019, the NSA's position was upgraded to that of a Cabinet Minister, reflecting the growing importance of the role.

Personal Life

Doval is married and has two sons, one of whom, Shaurya Doval, is known for his work in strategic affairs. Despite his high-profile career, Doval maintains a low public profile, preferring to let his work speak for itself.