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Ajit Doval

Ajit Doval is an Indian intelligence and police officer who has served as India’s National Security Adviser since 2014.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 26, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

Ajit Doval is an Indian intelligence and police officer who has served as India’s National Security Adviser since 2014. A retired Indian Police Service officer, he previously headed the Intelligence Bureau and is widely associated with India’s national security and strategic policy apparatus.

Early life and education

Ajit Doval was born on 20 January 1945 in Ghiri Banelsyun village, Pauri Garhwal, present-day Uttarakhand, India. He studied at Agra University before joining the Indian Police Service in 1968.

Police and intelligence career

Doval served in the Kerala cadre of the Indian Police Service and later became Director of the Intelligence Bureau from 2004 to 2005. His career included work in intelligence, internal security, and counter-insurgency.

National Security Adviser

He was appointed National Security Adviser on 30 May 2014 and was reappointed in 2019. In that role, he has been a central figure in India’s national security and strategic planning.

Public profile and influence

Doval is one of India’s best-known security officials and is frequently described in Indian media as a highly influential adviser to Prime Minister Narendra Modi. He has also been linked to policy and strategic institutions outside government.

Key facts

  • Ajit Doval has served as India’s National Security Adviser since 2014.
  • He is a retired Indian Police Service officer from the Kerala cadre.
  • He served as Director of the Intelligence Bureau from 2004 to 2005.
  • He was born in 1945 in Pauri Garhwal, present-day Uttarakhand.
  • He is widely described as a key national security adviser to Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
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Canadian context

Ajit Doval is relevant to Canadian readers because India is a major international partner and global power, and Doval’s role affects India’s foreign and security policy. His decisions and public statements can therefore matter in Canada–India relations, diplomacy, and diaspora-related policy discussions.

Frequently asked questions

Who is Ajit Doval?
Ajit Doval is an Indian retired police and intelligence officer who has served as National Security Adviser to the Prime Minister of India since 2014.
When was Ajit Doval born?
He was born on 20 January 1945.
What was Ajit Doval’s previous government role?
He served as Director of the Intelligence Bureau from 2004 to 2005.
Which police service did Ajit Doval join?
He joined the Indian Police Service in 1968 and served in the Kerala cadre.
How long has Ajit Doval been National Security Adviser?
He has served as National Security Adviser since 30 May 2014.
Is Ajit Doval still in office?
Yes. As of the latest available sources, he continues to serve as India’s National Security Adviser.

References

  1. Wikipediahttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ajit_Doval
    Supports: Reappointment in 2019, personal rank of Cabinet Minister, and description of his long tenure as NSA.
  2. The Hinduhttps://www.thehindu.com/news/national/ajit-doval-the-spy-who-came-in-from-the-cold/article32053422.ece
    Supports: Birth year and place, upbringing, father’s military service, and IPS entry in 1968.
  3. India TV Newshttps://www.indiatvnews.com/profile/ajit-doval/news
    Supports: Current NSA role, prior service as Director of the Intelligence Bureau, birth in 1945, and graduation details.
  4. Business Standardhttps://www.business-standard.com/about/who-is-ajit-doval
    Supports: Current NSA role, retirement as IPS officer, and broad overview of his career.
  5. Jagran Joshhttps://www.jagranjosh.com/general-knowledge/ajit-doval-biography-1594037328-1
    Supports: Birth date, birthplace, and appointment as NSA in 2014 and reappointment in 2019.