New Delhi/ Bhopal August 1, 2026

National Security Adviser Ajit Doval was conferred the prestigious Lokmanya Tilak National Award on Saturday in recognition of his contribution to India's national security and strategic affairs. Union Home Minister Amit Shah presented the award at a function held in Pune on the 106th death anniversary of freedom fighter Lokmanya Bal Gangadhar Tilak.

According to agency reports, Doval accepted the honour with humility and said he had never imagined that he would one day receive such an award. He said India was moving ahead by drawing inspiration from the principles and ideals of Lokmanya Tilak, whose vision continues to guide the country's national development.

Addressing the gathering, Amit Shah described Doval as one of the architects of India's contemporary security framework. He said the National Security Adviser had played a role in every major national security decision taken by Prime Minister Narendra Modi since 2014. Shah also recalled that appointing Doval as NSA was among the Prime Minister's earliest and most significant decisions after assuming office.

The Home Minister said Doval's contribution would be remembered as an important chapter in India's security history. He added that the award was a tribute not only to an individual but also to the countless professionals who work quietly to safeguard the country's interests without seeking public recognition.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who received the same award in 2023, has often described Lokmanya Tilak as one of the foremost architects of India's freedom movement. In his tribute on Tilak's birth anniversary earlier this month, the Prime Minister said Tilak awakened the spirit of nationalism and inspired generations through his commitment to public service and the famous call, "Swaraj is my birthright and I shall have it."

For Doval, the honour marks another milestone in a career spanning nearly five decades in policing, intelligence and national security. A 1968-batch IPS officer of the Kerala cadre, he joined the Intelligence Bureau in 1972 and handled several key assignments in Punjab, Jammu and Kashmir, Mizoram and other sensitive regions. He later served as Director of the Intelligence Bureau before being appointed National Security Adviser on May 30, 2014. He is the country's longest-serving NSA.

One of the defining phases of his intelligence career came during Operation Black Thunder in 1988, when he played an important role in intelligence gathering during the anti-terror operation at the Golden Temple. He was later awarded the Kirti Chakra, becoming the first police officer to receive the gallantry honour. Over the years, he has also represented India in several high-level strategic engagements, including Special Representative-level boundary talks with China and major international security dialogues.

Even today, Doval remains at the centre of India's strategic and diplomatic engagement on key global issues. As National Security Adviser, he has been leading India's dialogue on the boundary issue with China under the Special Representatives' mechanism and has represented the country at high-level BRICS, SCO and other multilateral security forums. He has also played an important role in shaping India's response to developments in West Asia, regional security challenges and counter-terrorism cooperation, while advising the government on issues concerning maritime security, cyber security and emerging geopolitical challenges.

Instituted in 1983 by the Lokmanya Tilak Smarak Trust, the Lokmanya Tilak National Award is presented every year on August 1 to individuals who have made exceptional contributions to the nation. Previous recipients include Prime Minister Narendra Modi, former Prime Ministers Atal Bihari Vajpayee and Manmohan Singh, former President Pranab Mukherjee, and several other distinguished public figures. With this honour, Ajit Doval joins a select group recognised for their contribution to India's progress and national service.