National Security Advisor Ajit Doval delivered a stark and insightful analysis of the forces driving international conflicts, urging India to forge its path with unity and unwavering willpower. Speaking to young leaders in New Delhi on January 10, 2026, Doval stripped away idealistic notions to reveal the hard realities of global power dynamics.
The True Objective of War: Breaking a Nation's Will
Doval asserted that wars are not initiated for pleasure or mindless destruction. The core objective, he explained, is to shatter the opposing nation's morale and force its submission. He emphasized that in the face of a direct challenge to power, abstract moral arguments often lose their potency. This pragmatic view underscores a world where strategic interests frequently override ethical considerations.
The NSA drew upon historical parallels to illustrate his point. He highlighted how the rise of Japan triggered fear among established Western powers, a pattern repeating itself today with India's rapid economic and geopolitical growth. "Rising nations are never welcomed by established powers," Doval stated, calling out what he described as Western hypocrisy in responding to shifting global hierarchies.
Civilisational Strength and the Impermanence of Nationhood
Doval reminded the audience that nationhood is not a permanent or guaranteed state. It must be actively protected through continuous effort. He pointed to India's ancient civilisational strength as a foundational asset but contrasted it with periods of historical strategic vulnerability. For a nation to endure and thrive, he argued, shared sentiment and unity are paramount.
He cited the powerful example of the Jewish people, whose shared national identity and sentiment allowed them to survive and maintain cohesion through centuries of persecution and diaspora. This, he implied, is the kind of resilient national spirit required for long-term sovereignty.
India's Roadmap: Willpower, Hard Choices, and Preparedness
For India's future trajectory, Ajit Doval provided a direct and unambiguous roadmap. The central task is to convert national willpower into tangible national power. This process demands making difficult, often unpopular decisions and preparing for inevitable resistance from status-quo powers uncomfortable with India's reclamation of its rightful global standing.
His message was a call to action focused on internal fortitude. The pillars for protecting India's sovereignty, according to Doval, are unshakeable unity, high morale, and decisive leadership. As India continues its ascent, the NSA's analysis serves as a sobering reminder that the path is fraught with challenges that must be met with strategic clarity and collective resolve.
