New Delhi – National Security Advisor (NSA) Ajit Doval has revealed that he does not use a mobile phone or the internet for his official work, relying instead on other secure means of communication. Speaking at the Viksit Bharat Young Leaders Dialogue 2026 at Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi, Doval explained that his approach is part of his long-standing operational security practices.

“I don’t use the internet. I also do not use a phone, except for family matters or for speaking to people in other countries, which is necessary,” Doval said. “I manage my work that way. There are many other means of communication as well, and some additional methods have to be arranged that people are not aware of.”

According to Doval, his limited use of modern communication tools is a deliberate measure to maintain confidentiality and operational security, given the sensitive nature of his responsibilities. He clarified that while the public may encounter numerous stories online attributed to him, many are fabricated or misinformation.

Misinformation Surrounding Doval Online

The NSA highlighted the prevalence of fake posts and rumors online. Last year, the Press Information Bureau (PIB) fact-check unit debunked a fake Facebook post circulating under Doval’s name, which warned of an impending cyberattack from Pakistan. PIB clarified that Doval does not have any official social media accounts, and the post was entirely fabricated.

Doval’s Career and Background

Ajit Doval, born in 1945 in Uttarakhand, is India’s fifth National Security Advisor, a post created by the Atal Bihari Vajpayee government in 1998. He joined the Indian Police Service (IPS) in 1968, assigned to the Kerala cadre.

He became the youngest recipient of the Kirti Chakra in 1989 for his counterinsurgency operations in Punjab. Notably, the Kirti Chakra is typically a military honor, and Doval remains the only police officer to have received it. His early career focused extensively on intelligence, internal security, and counter-terrorism, with operational stints in Punjab, Mizoram, and the Northeast.

Key Roles in National Security

Doval has handled high-stakes situations throughout his career:

• IC-814 Hijacking (1999): He was one of the negotiators during the Kandahar hijacking crisis.
• Counter-hijacking Operations: Between 1971 and 1999, he dealt with multiple aircraft hijacking cases.
• Undercover Operations: Doval reportedly spent several years working undercover in Pakistan.

Appointed NSA in 2014, Doval has been central to major national security decisions:

• 2016 Surgical Strikes: Targeted operations against terrorist camps across the border.
• 2019 Balakot Airstrikes: Strategic air operations in response to cross-border terrorist attacks.
• Doklam Standoff: Managing diplomatic and security aspects during the India-China standoff.
• Internal Security Strategy: Shaping India’s counter-terrorism and intelligence framework.

Rationale for Avoiding Digital Communication

Doval’s avoidance of mobile phones and the internet is not merely a personal preference but a strategic choice to mitigate the risks of surveillance, hacking, and cyber threats. In an age of increasing cyber vulnerabilities, such caution ensures secure and untraceable channels for sensitive communications.

He uses digital communication only when unavoidable, such as communicating with family or engaging with counterparts in other countries, while relying on traditional secure channels for sensitive official work. This approach underlines Doval’s philosophy of minimizing exposure in critical security matters.

Legacy of Operational Discipline

Ajit Doval’s communication practices reflect a broader culture of operational discipline that has defined his career. His commitment to secure, low-digital communication complements his reputation for strategic foresight, intelligence acumen, and decisive action in national security affairs.

In a time when misinformation spreads rapidly online, Doval’s approach also serves as a reminder of the need for verification and caution before attributing statements or actions to senior officials.

In conclusion, NSA Ajit Doval’s choice to eschew mobile phones and the internet for official work is a calculated security measure. By relying on alternate communication methods, he ensures that sensitive national security operations remain protected from digital vulnerabilities, reinforcing his role as a vigilant and strategic security architect for India.