“James Bond” of India Relies on Secure Channels; Urges Youth to “Avenge History” Through Rapid Development at Viksit Bharat Dialogue.
January 12, 2026: In a revelation that underscores his reputation for extreme digital discipline, National Security Advisor (NSA) Ajit Doval stated on Saturday that he avoids both the internet and mobile phones for his day-to-day official work.
Speaking at the inaugural session of the Viksit Bharat Young Leaders Dialogue 2026 at Bharat Mandapam, Doval clarified that he only uses a phone for essential international calls and personal family matters.
The “Spy Tech” Protocol
When asked by a young delegate how he manages the country’s highest security portfolio in a digital age, the 81-year-old former intelligence chief smiled and replied:
“I don’t know where you get all this. It is true that I do not 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. 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.”
Security experts noted that Doval’s preference for “analogue” or proprietary secure communication channels is a strategic move to prevent intercepts, metadata leaks, and cyber-tracking by foreign agencies.
Key Highlights from Doval’s Address
Addressing a crowd of nearly 3,000 young leaders, Doval touched upon several themes ranging from military history to India’s future under Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
- “Avenge Our History”: In a powerful segment of his speech, Doval stated that India must strengthen itself—not just at the borders, but economically and socially—to “avenge” a painful history of foreign subjugation.“Revenge is not a good word, but it can be a huge force… we have to take this country to the point where it is great again.”
- India on “Autopilot”: Doval expressed immense confidence in the nation’s trajectory, suggesting that the pace set by PM Modi is so robust that the country will achieve its development goals even if it were to run on “autopilot.”
- The Power of Will: He emphasized that wars are not fought for violence but to “break the morale” of an opponent. He urged the youth to develop the “willpower” and “decision-making ability” required to lead a developed India.
A Career Built on Secrecy
Doval’s disclosure about his digital habits aligns with his storied career as an undercover agent and negotiator.
| Milestone | Achievement |
| Kirti Chakra (1989) | First police officer to receive India’s second-highest peacetime gallantry award. |
| Undercover Operative | Reportedly spent seven years living in Pakistan in a high-stakes intelligence mission. |
| Crisis Negotiator | Lead negotiator during the 1999 IC-814 hijacking in Kandahar. |
| Surgical Strikes | Instrumental in planning the 2016 surgical strikes and 2019 Balakot airstrikes. |
Fact Check: Fake Social Media Presence
The NSA also warned about misinformation. Last year, the PIB Fact Check unit flagged several fake Facebook accounts operating under his name. Doval reaffirmed on Saturday that he holds no official account on any social media platform, and posts attributed to him regarding cyberattacks or political stances are frequently fabrications.