New Delhi: Ajit Doval has been granted cabinet status and five more years as the National Security Adviser (NSA). “He has been given cabinet rank in recognition of his contribution in the national security domain,” the government said in a statement. An official announcement regarding the same is yet to be made.
It was under Doval that the 2016 surgical strikes after the Uri terrorist attack and the 2019 Balakot surgical strikes took place. He was appointed National Security Advisor in 2014.
A 1968-batch IPS officer, Doval is a former IB chief.
Doval, a highly decorated IPS officer of Kerala Cadre, retired as Director Intelligence Bureau in 2005 and is popular for his many interesting and daring stories during his stint with the internal intelligence agency.
Before that, in 1988, Doval was bestowed with one of the highest gallantry awards, the Kirti Chakra, becoming the first police officer to receive a medal previously given only as a military honour. He was the youngest police officer ever to get the Police Medal for meritorious service, which he got after six years in the police, even as the norm is at least 17 years’ service.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi took oath to office on May 30, along with 57 other ministers in the Cabinet. The Cabinet portfolios were announced on May 31, with Amit Shah appointed as the Home Minister, along with Rajnath Singh being given the Defence Ministry in the Modi government 2.0.
