Ajit Doval: The Spy Master Reshaping India

In the quiet corridors of power in New Delhi, few names command as much respect—and perhaps a touch of fear—as ajit doval. To the uninitiated, he is simply the National Security Advisor (NSA) to the Prime Minister of India. But to those who follow the intricate dance of geopolitics and intelligence, Doval is something far more significant: he is the architect of a new, assertive Indian security doctrine.

I still remember the first time I saw footage of Doval walking alongside Prime Minister Modi. Unlike the stiff, bureaucratic demeanor typical of many civil servants, Doval moved with the alert, observant energy of a man who has spent decades looking over his shoulder. It’s a habit formed from years spent deep undercover in hostile territories, a career trajectory that reads more like a John le Carré novel than a government résumé. Understanding his impact requires looking beyond the official titles and examining the philosophy he brings to India’s defense strategy.

From the Shadows to the Spotlight

To understand the current NSA, you have to look at the operative he once was. Before he was shaping policy from a desk, ajit doval was living it on the ground. His career in the Indian Police Service (IPS) quickly pivoted toward intelligence, leading him to the Intelligence Bureau (IB).

The legends surrounding his field operations are numerous. One of the most cited examples is his seven-year stint in Pakistan. Operating undercover is a high-stakes gamble where a single slip-up means certain death. Doval not only survived but reportedly thrived, gathering critical intelligence that would later serve India’s strategic interests. This kind of "boots on the ground" experience is rare for high-level policymakers. It means his advice isn't theoretical; it’s forged in the harsh reality of field operations. When he talks about cross-border terrorism or insurgency, he isn't reciting a briefing paper; he is recalling lived experiences.

Consider the analogy of a chess player. Many strategists play by studying famous games in books. Doval plays like a grandmaster who learned the game in the park, hustling for survival. He knows the rules, but he also knows when to flip the board.

The Doval Doctrine: A Shift in Strategy

Since taking office in 2014, Doval has been credited with shifting India from a defensive posture to what is often called "defensive offense." For decades, India’s response to terror attacks or border skirmishes was often characterized by diplomatic restraint and dossier-sharing. While this garnered international sympathy, critics argued it did little to deter aggression.

Under Doval's watch, the script flipped. The 2016 surgical strikes following the Uri attack and the 2019 Balakot airstrikes following the Pulwama tragedy are quintessential examples of this new doctrine. The message was clear: India would no longer absorb hits without hitting back. This shift fundamentally changed the calculus for India’s adversaries. The unpredictability of the Indian response became a deterrent in itself.

However, this aggressive stance is not without its critics. Some argue that it risks escalation in a nuclear-armed neighborhood. Yet, supporters believe that displaying strength is the only language that is respected in the volatile region of South Asia. It is a high-wire act, balancing credible deterrence with the need to avoid all-out war.

Managing Internal Security and Kashmir

While his external strategies grab headlines, Doval’s influence on internal security is equally profound. His approach to insurgency in the Northeast and the complex situation in Kashmir