Ajit Doval and S Jaishankar: education and how their roles differ
A look at the educational backgrounds of NSA Ajit Doval and External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar and how their responsibilities in diplomacy and security differ.
Whenever the country faces a major diplomatic challenge or a serious security issue, attention turns to two names: National Security Advisor Ajit Doval and External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar. Ahead of the BRICS summit, NSA Ajit Doval's visit to China had a clear purpose, improving relations between India and China before the summit could go smoothly.
In the field of diplomacy, these two trusted aides of Prime Minister Narendra Modi have always shown that national interest comes first. The two work together like a precise strategy. While Ajit Doval is known for his intelligence strategy and for foiling the moves of adversaries, S Jaishankar is known for his direct and clear diplomacy and for firmly putting forward India's position at forums across the world.
Ajit Doval is often called "India's James Bond" and continues to be the backbone of the country's security as NSA. He went to school at Ajmer Military School in Rajasthan, earlier called King George Royal Indian Military School. He then completed an MA in Economics from Agra University, now known as Dr Bhimrao Ambedkar University, in 1967, topping his class. After completing his studies, he cleared the UPSC exam in 1968 and became an IPS officer of the Kerala cadre.
In 1972, Ajit Doval joined the Research and Analysis Wing, RAW, and the Intelligence Bureau, IB. During his career he spent many years working undercover on highly dangerous missions, which is why he is also called "India's James Bond". He was Director of the Intelligence Bureau from 2004 to 2005. Since May 2014 he has been the country's fifth National Security Advisor.
External Affairs Minister Dr Subrahmanyam Jaishankar has also had a distinguished career in education and diplomacy. He went to school at Air Force School in New Delhi. He then earned a BSc in Chemistry from the well known St Stephen's College, Delhi University. For further studies he went to Jawaharlal Nehru University, JNU, in New Delhi, where he completed an MA and MPhil in Political Science and a PhD in International Relations.
Dr Jaishankar joined the Indian Foreign Service, IFS, in 1977 and has served the country as a skilled diplomat for over four decades. He was India's High Commissioner to Singapore from 2007 to 2009. He represented India as ambassador to the Czech Republic, China (2009-2013) and the United States (2013-2015). He served as Foreign Secretary from January 2015 to January 2018. In May 2019 he was made India's External Affairs Minister. He is currently a Rajya Sabha member from Gujarat.
The pairing of Ajit Doval and Jaishankar has raised India's standing on international platforms to a new level. NSA Ajit Doval's recent visit to China ahead of the BRICS summit was also part of this strategy, aimed at reducing tension in the region so India can protect its national interests. On the diplomatic front, Dr Jaishankar presents the world with India's strong foreign policy, while on the security front, Ajit Doval remains ready with a firm response to every move.
The biggest strength of Ajit Doval and S Jaishankar is that neither bows to pressure, whether it is cross border terrorism or standing firm on an independent foreign policy before Western countries. Both have always shown what strong leadership can achieve for the country. That is why, in every difficult moment, both the public and the government place their full trust in these two figures.
