NEW DELHI: Union Home Minister Amit Shah commended National Security Advisor (NSA) Ajit Doval on Saturday for his invaluable contributions to India’s national security and foreign policy. Shah emphasized that Doval has been instrumental behind every significant national security decision made by Prime Minister Narendra Modi since 2014.
During a ceremony in Pune where he presented Doval with the Lokmanya Tilak National Award 2026, Shah remarked that the NSA’s strategic insights have been vital in fortifying India’s security framework and enhancing its defense readiness.
Shah stated, “Doval’s contribution to both internal and external security has been so impactful that history will reserve ‘a golden page’ for him.” He noted, “In every decision regarding national security taken by PM Modi, Doval’s role and counsel have been pivotal behind the scenes. There’s no doubt he deserves that recognition.”
Transformative Role of Doval
The Union Minister recalled one of the first moves made by PM Modi upon taking office in 2014 was appointing Doval as NSA, a decision that he described as transformative for India’s strategic outlook.
Shah declared, “Today, India’s foreign policy has a backbone of steel; this is undeniable. We have strengthened our global standing while maintaining self-respect.”
Highlighting Doval’s extensive tenure within the Intelligence Bureau, Shah affirmed that under Modi’s leadership, India has grown into a more robust and self-assured nation, with Doval playing a crucial role in this evolution.
Since becoming NSA in 2014, Doval has facilitated the implementation of significant strategic initiatives and has been a key figure in modernizing India’s armed forces, enhancing technological capabilities, and improving defense preparedness. Shah pointed out that the Modi administration has drastically reshaped both defensive and offensive capabilities of the armed forces over the last 12 years, with Doval being central to this transformation.
Legacy of Bal Gangadhar Tilak
Shah mentioned that a portion of Doval’s contributions will remain undisclosed due to the confidential nature of intelligence work. Recalling his experience as Gujarat’s home minister, he recounted how he first engaged with Doval following the Ahmedabad serial bomb blasts. He noted that then Chief Minister Narendra Modi suggested that Gujarat Police seek Doval’s expertise during their investigations.
“I remember Ajit ji coming to my house; his guidance was instrumental in not only solving the Ahmedabad bomb blast but also 13 other blasts across the nation simultaneously, marking a remarkable achievement,” Shah said.
Furthermore, Shah paid homage to Lokmanya Bal Gangadhar Tilak, identifying him as a pioneer of India’s freedom struggle. He underscored the significance of Tilak’s famous proclamation, “Swarajya is my birthright, and I shall have it,” which inspired generations of freedom fighters and reshaped India’s quest for independence.
He characterized Tilak as a courageous journalist whose work in the newspaper Kesar exemplifies bravery in journalism. Shah noted, “One can truly grasp the essence of courageous journalism only by engaging with the writings published in Kesari.”
Cultural Nationalism and National Building
Speaking about Tilak’s contribution to cultural nationalism, Shah pointed out that his efforts in organizing public celebrations such as the Ganesh and Shivaji festivals laid the groundwork for cultural cohesion, which continues to influence India’s trajectory today.
Shah asserted, “India is steadfastly progressing along the path of cultural nationalism established by Lokmanya Bal Gangadhar Tilak, and this journey is irreversible.”
He concluded that Tilak’s ideologies concerning nationalism, self-governance, and social consciousness remain pertinent for contemporary nation-building, especially for the youth.
