India’s National Security Adviser Ajit Doval received the 2026 Lokmanya Tilak National Award in Pune on Saturday. Union Home Minister Amit Shah presented the award during a special ceremony attended by Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and other dignitaries.
Amit Shah praised Doval for his contribution to strengthening India’s national security and modernizing the country’s armed forces over the past decade. He said Doval has played an important role in improving India’s security system and supporting key strategic decisions.
Speaking after receiving the award, Ajit Doval thanked the organisers and shared memories of his childhood in Pune, where he studied during his early years. He urged young Indians to always place the nation’s interest above personal benefits. Doval said India continues to face security challenges from both inside and outside the country, and called on citizens to remain united and committed to the country’s progress.
The Lokmanya Tilak National Award is presented every year to individuals who have made outstanding contributions to the nation. It is named after freedom fighter and nationalist leader Bal Gangadhar Tilak.
The ceremony attracted attention on social media, with many users congratulating Doval on receiving the honour. At the same time, some online discussions questioned the travel expenses of officials attending the event and raised claims about the foreign nationality of Doval’s sons. These claims circulated online, but no official statement addressing them was made during the award ceremony.
The event concluded with leaders praising Ajit Doval’s years of public service and his role in strengthening India’s national security.