Once again, Ajit Doval has been appointed as the National Security Advisor (NSA). Prime Minister Narendra Modi has assigned him for the third time. This marks the third consecutive term for Ajit Doval in this prestigious role.
Ever since the Modi government's first tenure in 2014, Ajit Doval was appointed NSA on May 30, 2014. In 2019, upon the re-election of Modi's government, he was reappointed on June 3, 2019. Then, the Modi government also awarded Doval with the rank of a Cabinet Minister, an upgrade from his previous rank of Minister of State.
And now, with the NDA government's continuous reign for the third time, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has reaffirmed his trust in Doval by appointing him as the National Security Advisor once more.
Prior to becoming NSA, Ajit Doval served as the head of Intelligence Bureau (IB). In 1968, he joined the police service as an IPS officer. Every significant decision related to national security is made following Ajit Doval's counsel.
What is the National Security Advisor?
The post of National Security Advisor, also known as NSA, was created in 1998 during Atal Bihari Vajpayee's government. Brajesh Mishra was appointed as NSA on November 19, 1998.
From India's nuclear tests in Pokhran-2 to managing the Kashmir issue, and from Vajpayee’s historic bus journey to Pakistan to improving USA relations, Brajesh Mishra played a crucial role. Mishra also served for two years as India's Permanent Representative to the United Nations and was regarded as Vajpayee's troubleshooter. He remained the NSA until May 23, 2004.
When Manmohan Singh became Prime Minister in 2004, he separated the roles of Principal Secretary and NSA, which were previously held concurrently. The Manmohan government appointed former Foreign Secretary J. N. Dixit as NSA, thus making him the second person to hold the post.
Following Dixit's demise in January 2005, the Congress government appointed M.K. Narayanan, an IPS, and former IB Director, as NSA. After him, Shiv Menon, from the foreign service, became NSA on January 24, 2010. Post his retirement on May 26, 2014, Ajit Doval took over as the fifth National Security Advisor on May 30.
Source: aajtak
How powerful is the NSA?
Until 2019, the National Security Advisor held the status of a Minister of State. However, with the re-election of Modi's government, the NSA was upgraded to the rank of a Cabinet Minister. The NSA's role is considered one of the most influential in the government. The NSA advises the Prime Minister not only on national security matters but also on foreign policy issues.
The NSA leads the National Security Council (NSC) and reports daily to the Prime Minister about internal and external threats. The NSA also oversees strategic and sensitive issues on behalf of the Prime Minister.
The NSA receives intelligence from agencies like IB and RAW and shares this information with the Prime Minister. The NSA is assisted by Deputy NSAs. Currently, retired IPS Dattatraya Padsalgikar, former RAW chief Rajinder Khanna, and former diplomat Pankaj Saran serve as Deputy NSAs.
Whether it's conducting surgical strikes or avenging with airstrike actions, all decisions are made following the NSA’s advice. Ajit Doval played a key role in the surgical strike against Pakistan post the Uri attack in 2016 and the airstrike following the Pulwama attack in 2019. Moreover, Doval also contributed significantly to the de-escalation of the Doklam standoff between India and China in 2017.
Read more about Ajit Doval's formative years and his strong presence in uniform here:
Why is Ajit Doval considered the most powerful?
In April 2018, the Modi administration made a significant decision by establishing the Defense Planning Committee. The leadership of this committee was entrusted to NSA Ajit Doval.
The NSA’s role is pivotal within the government. Ajit Doval is considered extremely potent because, within the Defense Planning Committee, he has the Defense Secretary, Foreign Secretary, Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), Chiefs of the Armed Forces, and the Finance Secretary reporting to him.
The Committee's responsibilities include planning for national security, defense diplomacy, and the development of the defense manufacturing ecosystem. It reports directly to the Minister of Defense.
In addition to this, in 2018 the Modi government restructured the Strategic Policy Group, appointing Ajit Doval as its head. This made Doval one of the country's most authoritative bureaucrats. Previously, the head of the Strategic Policy Group was the Cabinet Secretary, but now it is the NSA. In turn, the Cabinet Secretary reports to the NSA.
This group includes the Vice-Chairman of the NITI Aayog, Cabinet Secretary, CDS, chiefs of the armed forces, Governor of RBI, Foreign Secretary, Defense Secretary, Home Secretary, Finance Secretary, Secretary of RAW, and Director of IB, among others.
Source: aajtak
Access even to nuclear codes
India’s nuclear policy asserts that the country will never be the first to launch a nuclear attack. However, if another state conducts a nuclear attack on India, a counter-attack will be launched for defense. Before ordering a nuclear strike, various factors are taken into account.
A secret code is required to launch any nuclear weapon, and the NSA is among those who hold this code. Only with this code can a nuclear weapon be launched.
When a new Prime Minister takes office, it's the National Security Advisor who hands over the hidden nuclear codes and provides them with all the information related to nuclear weapons.
What is Ajit Doval's salary?
A 1968 batch IPS officer, Ajit Doval began his career in Kottayam district of Kerala as an ASP. In 1972, he joined the IB. Doval is credited with achieving peace in the Northeast.
Doval was awarded the Kirti Chakra in 1988. Having worked undercover in Pakistan for many years, after several years in IB's operations wing, he was appointed as the Director of IB.
He retired from the position of IB Director in January 2005. Even after retirement, he remained active. In 2014, Doval was appointed as the National Security Advisor. As per the Prime Minister's Office, Ajit Doval receives a monthly salary of ₹1,37,500. Additionally, he receives a pension.
