By A Correspondent / New Delhi
National Security Advisor Ajit Doval has been awarded Cabinet rank in the new government led by prime minister Narendra Modi.
According to government sources, this promotion is in recognition of his contribution in the national security domain. His appointment will be for five years.
Ajit Doval, as the person in charge of the national security establishment that includes all anti-terror and intelligence outfits, is among the most powerful officers in the country.
The 1968-batch Indian Police Service officer was a former Intelligence Bureau chief.
He is also credited with solving the Doklam standoff between India and China in 2017 when the two countries were engaged in a bitter turf war for several months.
Mr Doval oversaw the Balakot air strike after the Pulwama terror attack and the 2016 surgical strikes after the Uri strike.