Gandhinagar: President Droupadi Murmu on Tuesday conferred an honorary doctorate on Ajit Doval during the convocation ceremony of Rashtriya Raksha University.

The ceremony honoured Doval for his distinguished career and “meritorious devotion” to the nation. A recipient of the Kirti Chakra in 1989, Doval was the youngest officer to receive the Indian Police Medal for meritorious service. He has served as the National Security Advisor since May 30, 2014, making him the longest-serving NSA in Indian history. During the conferment, it was noted that Doval has become a “household name in national security” and an institution of learning in his own right.

Prior to his current role, he served as Director of the Intelligence Bureau and also held the international position of President of the International Association of Chiefs of Police (Asia-Pacific region).

Addressing the graduating students, President Murmu cautioned that the future security landscape will become increasingly complex and technology-driven. She observed that terms such as “digital arrest,” “cybercrime,” and “phishing attacks,” which were relatively unfamiliar a few years ago, have now emerged as major national security challenges.

Emphasising preparedness, she called for a new generation of technically proficient police personnel and forensic experts capable of producing evidence that can withstand judicial scrutiny.

The President also highlighted India’s growing role in global artificial intelligence governance, citing initiatives such as the ‘India AI Mission’ and the ‘AI Impact Summit 2026’. She noted that international support for the ‘New Delhi Declaration’ reflects India’s expanding technological leadership.

Murmu further observed that modern strategic studies extend beyond conventional defence to include areas such as defence manufacturing, emerging technologies, and supply chain resilience. She reiterated the government’s commitment to technological self-reliance, stating that the push for indigenous capabilities is steadily reducing dependence on defence imports.

Concluding her address, the President expressed confidence that Rashtriya Raksha University will continue to evolve into a global centre for security education, producing professionals dedicated to building a secure, just, and self-reliant India. DeshGujarat