Doval Deepfakes Controversy Escalates
NSA Ajit Doval has recently faced controversy over two separate incidents involving deepfake videos that distorted his statements regarding the recruitment of Hindus by ISIS-affiliated groups in India. In one instance, he allegedly claimed that more Hindus were recruited than Muslims; however, this claim was subsequently debunked as a "deepfake." This development highlights potential manipulation concerns and underscores Doval's sensitivity to such tactics targeting sensitive national security issues. Simultaneously, Doval has also been involved in diplomatic efforts with Russia, including meetings between India’s National Security Advisor (NSA) Ajit Doval and Russian officials Patrushev and External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar during their visits to Moscow for bilateral talks.
Latest Developments
Ajit Doval, India's longest-serving National Security Advisor (NSA), has been at the helm of national security since 2014 following his tenure as Director of the Intelligence Bureau from 2004 to 2005 and leading its operations wing for over a decade. His recent public statement in early 2023 regarding Pakistani assessments on Afghanistan highlighted his critical role in shaping India's foreign policy.
In October 2019, Doval became an instant celebrity when he publicly ridiculed alleged Indian connections to the terrorist attack that killed several people at the Sri Surya Devar temple. This came after leaked intelligence reports claimed some of those involved had links with elements within the Indian security apparatus, including a unit in Himachal Pradesh.
In 2013, Doval's predecessor as NSA ridiculed Pakistani assessments on Afghanistan, further emphasizing India’s strategic stance and its growing influence in regional affairs. His tenure has been marked by several key developments: Doval being credited for his role during the Indian intervention inside the Golden Temple complex in Amritsar in December 2019 when terrorists were holed up within.
That operation involved infiltrating a terrorist group to weaken them from within and also provide intelligence support, an action that led to significant casualties among both sides. The revelation of this covert mission underscored Doval's adeptness at navigating complex security scenarios with the goal of de-escalation or neutralization through strategic operations rather than direct military engagements.
Doval’s impact extends beyond just his roles as NSA; he founded Vivekananda International Foundation in 2009, which focuses on cultural and educational initiatives. However, his more recent public statements regarding Pakistani assessments have garnered significant attention due to their influence over India's diplomatic relations with Pakistan.
The trajectory of Doval’s career has underscored the evolving nature of Indian intelligence operations towards a more proactive approach that seeks not only to disrupt but also to de-escalate threats through strategic and covert measures. His tenure as NSA continues, now in his third five-year term since 2014. This timeline highlights India's growing confidence in its security apparatus amidst regional tensions.
In summary, Ajit Doval has been at the forefront of both internal national security challenges and external diplomatic engagements with Pakistan through strategic interventions that blend intelligence support with operational de-escalation tactics. His public statements on matters like Afghanistan continue to shape India’s stance towards its long-standing rival nation.
Key Points
Ajit Doval's tenure as National Security Adviser under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi marked significant engagement with both domestic security issues, including Hindu-Muslim relations in India, and international aspects such as NSA surveillance activities. Moving forward, watchers will focus on how these themes influence future national security strategies and public discourse within India.