NSA Ajit Doval's speech not about China or LAC, clarifies Centre

The Centre has come out with a clarification in regards to a statement made by National Security Advisor (NSA) Ajit Doval at an ashram in Rishikesh yesterday (October 24). The clarification states that Ajit Doval was not talking in the context of the India-China standoff along the LAC in eastern Ladakh but was speaking purely in a civilisational and spiritual context.

Several media houses had projected Doval's statement at the ashram as a remark on China.

The clarification also stated that National Security Advisor (NSA) Ajit Doval was in Rishikesh to attend a religious function and did not refer to any country or specific situation while talking to the media.

Speaking at Parmarth Niketan in Uttarakhand yesterday, Doval highlighted how India as "Rastra" or civilization existed, but as a "Rajya" or nation came to being in 1947.

NSA Doval said, "Our state, India is a civilizational state, it's not based on religion, not based on language, nor ethnicity but on a civilization".

He lauded India's saints and the role they played in Nation Building. Doval also called on to spread the message of India's spirituality.

Ajit Doval, along with his wife had gone to his native village in Pauri district of Uttarakhand to perform puja on the occasion of Navratra. During his visit, he interacted with the locals and visited his ancestral house, which is in a dilapidated condition. Doval expressed his desire to rebuild his house so that he could visit the place often.

He also visited Parmarth Niketan and participated in the spiritual activities of the mission of Swami Chidanand Saraswati.