Golden Chapter In Security History: Amit Shah Honours Ajit Doval With Lokmanya Tilak National Award

Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Saturday presented the Lokmanya Tilak National Award 2026 to National Security Advisor (NSA) Ajit Doval in Pune, praising his role in transforming India’s defence capabilities, national security framework and foreign policy over the last 12 years.

Shah said the Narendra Modi government had strengthened the armed forces’ defensive and offensive capabilities, with Doval making a “ pivotal contribution ” to this transformation. He said Doval had a “ role and advice ” behind every major national security decision taken by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

“NSA Ajit Doval has played a great role in strengthening India’s foreign policy. In every decision of PM Modi for national security, Doval has had a role and advice in the background,” Shah said.

The Home Minister said Doval was among PM Modi’s first major appointments after taking office in 2014 and played an important role in modernising the armed forces, improving technology use, introducing structural reforms and strengthening operational capabilities.

Shah also credited Doval with strengthening the Multi Agency Centre, calling it a backbone of India’s internal security coordination. He said many of Doval’s contributions may never be revealed because of the confidential nature of intelligence work.

Recalling their association, Shah said Doval’s inputs after the 2008 Gujarat serial blasts helped Gujarat Police investigate the attacks and solve 13 other blast cases across the country.

Doval, 81, was honoured for his decades of service in national security. A former Intelligence Bureau chief, he is India’s longest-serving NSA and has handled sensitive assignments in Mizoram, Sikkim, Punjab and Jammu and Kashmir. He also served in Indian missions in Islamabad and London, worked on India China boundary talks and played a role in diplomatic efforts during the Doklam standoff.

Accepting the award, Doval said he received the honour with humility and urged young Indians to dedicate themselves to the national interest. He said India was at a “window of opportunity” and encouraged youth to contribute towards nation building.

Instituted in 1983, the Lokmanya Tilak National Award recognises individuals who contribute to national progress. The award was presented in the presence of Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and Deputy Chief Ministers Eknath Shinde and Sunetra Pawar.

During his Pune visit, Shah also paid tribute to Marathi poet and social reformer Lokshahir Annabhau Sathe on his birth anniversary.