Central Idea: The Appointments Committee of the Cabinet (ACC) appointed senior IPS officer Ravi Sinha as Secretary, Research and Analysis Wing (RAW), the country’s external intelligence agency.

About Research and Analysis Wing (R&AW)

• Foreign Intelligence: R&AW’s primary function is to gather foreign intelligence, focusing on counter-terrorism, counter-proliferation, and advancing India’s foreign strategic interests.
• National Security: It also plays a role in safeguarding India’s nuclear program and advising policymakers on matters related to national security.
• Social and Political Events: R&AW has been involved in major events, such as the accession of the state of Sikkim to India in 1975.

History and Establishment

• Background: Prior to R&AW, intelligence collection was the responsibility of the Intelligence Bureau (IB) during the British Raj.
• Need for a Dedicated Agency: The failure of intelligence during the 1962 Sino-Indian War and the Indo-Pakistani war of 1965 led to the establishment of a separate foreign intelligence agency.
• Formation: R&AW was officially formed in 1968, with Rameshwar Nath Kao appointed as its first chief.
• Organizational Structure: R&AW’s structure is modeled after the CIA, and it reports to the Prime Minister without parliamentary oversight.
• Additional Child Agencies: Over the years, R&AW added agencies like the Radio Research Center, Electronics & Tech. Services, Aviation Research Centre, and Special Frontier Force to enhance its capabilities.

Operations and Activities:

• Global Operations: R&AW carries out operations and intelligence activities in various countries, focusing on political, military, economic, and scientific developments that affect India’s national security.
• Liaison with Foreign Agencies: R&AW maintains active relationships and coordination with intelligence agencies of other countries, including Russia’s SVR, Afghanistan’s NDS, Israel’s Mossad, Germany’s BND, the CIA, and MI6.
• Field Formations: R&AW has ten field formations, known as Special Bureaus, strategically located along India’s borders.
• Recruitment and Training: R&AW recruits personnel from various civil services, armed forces, and universities. Training involves both basic and advanced levels, covering areas such as intelligence techniques, espionage, and self-defence.

Challenges and Controversies

• Staff Shortage: R&AW faces a significant shortage of employees, with a deficit of 40% below the sanctioned strength.
• Criticisms and Controversies: R&AW has faced criticism over bureaucratic issues, favoritism in promotions, corruption allegations, inter-departmental rivalries, and ethnic imbalances in the officer level.
• Legal Status and Accountability: R&AW is not answerable to the Parliament of India and is exempt from the Right to Information Act, which has raised concerns about transparency and accountability.

Impact and Significance

• National Security and Foreign Policy: R&AW plays a crucial role in safeguarding India’s national security, shaping foreign policy, and countering threats to the country.
• Counter-Terrorism Operations: R&AW is actively involved in anti-terror operations, neutralizing elements posing a threat to India’s security.
• International Cooperation: R&AW collaborates with intelligence agencies from various countries, sharing intelligence and coordinating efforts to address common challenges.

Major Operations

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