New Delhi, June 3: The Modi government on Monday accorded rank of a Cabinet minister to National Security Advisor (NSA) Ajit Doval. The government also extended Ajit Doval's tenure as National Security Advisor for another five years.

"He (Ajit Doval) has been given cabinet rank in recognition of his contribution in the national security domain," the government said in a statement. Doval was appointed as National Security Advisor in the Modi government in 2014. Shaurya Doval, Son of NSA Ajit Doval, Accorded ‘Z’ Security Cover Amid Life Threats Issued to Him.

A 1968-batch IPS officer, Doval is a former Intelligence Bureau chief. He spent six years in Pakistan as an undercover agent. He is the first police officer to receive Kirti Chakra in 1988. NSA Ajit Doval Sends Stern Message to Pakistan, Says ‘India Will Decide Time And Locations to Act Against Terrorists And Those Who Harbour Them’.

Under Doval, the Indian Army carried out surgical strikes across LoC in 2016 in retaliation to Uri terrorist attack. The airstrikes in Pakistan's Balakot were also conducted during his tenure after the Pulwama attack in February this year.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Jun 03, 2019 01:45 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).