NEW DELHI: National Security Advisor Ajit Dovalwidely referred to as India’s “spy master or James Bond”, has revealed that he does not use a mobile phone or the internet in his daily work. Asked whether he used the cell phone or the Internet for routine work, the NSA replied: “It is true that I do not use the Internet. I also do not use the telephone except for family matters or to talk to people in other countries, which is necessary. I do my work this way. There are also many other means of communication, and some additional methods need to be set up that people are not aware of.” He said this while addressing the inaugural session of Viksit Bharat Young Leaders Dialogue 2026 at Bharat Mandapam here on Saturday. Doval, who has been with the NSA since 2014, said it is important to take right and far-sighted decisions at the right time, especially for the youth. However, the former IB director advised thinking about “what the next two steps will be before anyone takes the first step.” He said India needs to strengthen itself as “we have had a painful history of attacks and subjugations”. “We were a very advanced civilization. We did not break anyone’s temples. We did not attack foreigners even when the rest of the world was weak, we did not understand the threats to our security. And so history has taught us a lesson. It is important that we remember this lesson because if the youth forgets it, it would be tragic for the country,” the NSA said. “Revenge is not a good word, but it can be a powerful force. We must avenge our history and get this country to the point where it is great again, not only in terms of border security, but also in economics, social development and every aspect,” he said. The NSA spoke about the importance of decision making in leading and building a nation. “One similarity between my youth and who I am today is the ability to make decisions. Whether you are aware of it or not, decision making is always with you. Teenagers make small and big decisions in daily life, and as you grow up, these small decisions add up to big ones,” he said. “Napoleon once said: ‘I am not afraid of 1,000 lions led by one sheep, but I am afraid of 1,000 sheep led by one lion’.” That’s how important leadership is,” he explained. Expressing confidence in India’s future, Doval said, “India will continue to develop. At the level to which our country has been brought under Prime Minister Modi, it will soon achieve the goal of being a developed nation. The real question is: who will lead the nation towards this development? If you want to be a leader on the path of Viksit Bharat, you have to start making decisions now, and these decisions should be made with a forward-looking vision, not just for today but for the future.”“
