NSA Ajit Doval's Important Message to the Youth of India

NSA Ajit Doval urged Indians, especially the youth, to stay united, put national interest first, and protect India’s growth from internal and external challenges.

Ajit Doval, India’s National Security Advisor, was honoured with the Lokmanya Tilak National Award 2026 in Pune on 1 August. Union Home Minister Amit Shah presented the award in the presence of Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and Deputy Chief Ministers Eknath Shinde and Sunetra Pawar.

Amit Shah praised Doval for his contribution to India’s national security. He said much of Doval’s work cannot be made public and that his role in important security decisions since 2014 will be remembered in India’s history.

After receiving the award, Doval spoke about India’s challenges, national interest and the role of young people. He said India still faces threats from both outside and within the country and that some countries may not want India to become stronger.

Doval urged young Indians to understand that freedom also comes with responsibility. He asked people to put the national interest above personal interests and work together for India’s development.

Doval had made similar remarks in 2021, saying that countries today often try to weaken other nations not only through war but also by creating divisions, spreading misinformation and influencing society.

His recent comments have also renewed discussions about foreign influence on India’s development. Supporters of this view point to India’s major infrastructure and defence projects, including the proposed development of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, which are strategically located near the Strait of Malacca.

However, claims that foreign countries or NGOs are deliberately trying to stop India’s development remain disputed and should be supported by clear evidence. Environmental groups have opposed some projects because of concerns about their impact on nature and local communities.

The discussion has also returned to the recent CJP protests in Delhi, where police reportedly acted against social media accounts accused of spreading fake information. The incident has raised wider questions about misinformation, foreign influence and national security.

Doval’s message was clear: India must remain united, protect its national interests and ensure that its development is not weakened by internal divisions or outside influence.