New Delhi: National Security Adviser (NSA) Ajit Doval has been selected for the prestigious Lokmanya Tilak National Award 2026 in recognition of his exceptional contribution to India’s national security, counter-terrorism strategy, covert operations, and border management.
The award will be conferred on August 1 in Pune during a ceremony marking the 106th death anniversary of Lokmanya Bal Gangadhar Tilak. The announcement was made by Dr. Rohit Tilak, President of the Lokmanya Tilak Smarak Trust, at a press conference on Monday.
Pune, Maharashtra: On conferring the Lokmanya Tilak National Award upon National Security Advisor Ajit Doval, Dr. Rohit Tilak, Chairman of the Lokmanya Tilak Smarak Trust, says, “This award has been organized since 1983. Every year on August 1st, we honor individuals who have… pic.twitter.com/9VWqN5Quo8
— IANS (@ians_india) July 20, 2026
The award ceremony will be attended by Union Home Minister Amit Shah, Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, and Deputy Chief Minister Sunetra Pawar.
The honour carries a memento, citation, and a cash prize of ₹1 lakh.
Doval has been chosen for his pivotal role in strengthening India’s security architecture and leading several landmark national security initiatives. His contributions include Operation Black Thunder, the Doklam diplomatic negotiations, and the Balakot air strike, among other strategic operations.
A 1968-batch Indian Police Service (IPS) officer of the Kerala cadre, Doval served in India’s intelligence establishment for over three decades before heading the Intelligence Bureau. He is currently India’s longest-serving National Security Adviser, widely regarded as one of the country’s foremost strategic and security experts.
