When China captured Indian agents: Ajit Doval recalls the moment he thought, 'this was the end of my career'

National Security Advisor Ajit Doval on Saturday recalled a difficult episode from his early career when a group of operatives sent across the border went missing and were later found to be in Chinese custody.

Doval was speaking as the chief guest at the two-day convocation ceremony of IIT Roorkee, where he reflected on the incident and the uncertainty he faced after receiving no information about the group for several days.

Ajit Doval recalls agents being held by China

Doval said he became deeply concerned when the group failed to return as expected. He said there were no reports of an avalanche or any other incident that could explain their disappearance.


“We got no reports of any avalanche or anything. It was a matter of deep worry and concern. But I got a telephone call from the headquarters, and my boss told me, "Have you sent some people across?" I said, "I do not know. They must be coming. They should have come in five or six days, but now it is about ten or eleven days." He said, "They are in Chinese custody now."”

According to Doval, the operatives had been captured and interrogated by Chinese authorities before eventually being returned.

“They were caught by the Chinese and interrogated. Anyway, the Chinese returned them, probably after some talks or negotiations, or a deal must have been struck. So, they returned totally shattered, in shambles.”

‘I knew that this was the end of my career’

Doval said the incident was followed by an inquiry, and at the time he feared it could bring his career to an end.

“And an inquiry was started. I knew that this was the end of my career. I was still in my twenties, and I had to start a new career. I saw the incident as something very unprofessional.”

He later said the inquiry did not hold him responsible for what had happened.

“Anyway, the inquiry was over. I wasn't found at fault. Probably, I had done everything right. The sketches and the maps that were given to us by the headquarters had some defects and mistakes in them. That is how it happened,” the NSA added.

Ajit Doval on opportunities for younger generation

During his address at IIT Roorkee, Doval also spoke about the opportunities available to young people today, particularly amid rapid technological advancement.

“You may not be conscious of the fact that in the last 1000 years, you are the luckiest generation, which is going to have so many opportunities. Generations before you were struggling under slavery. They did not have those opportunities which opened up for you.”

He said technological progress would play an increasingly important role in shaping the future of countries and societies.

“You are coming at an age when technology will be the most important driving factor in any country's or society's growth and progress,” Ajit Doval said.


Inputs from agencies