Research & Analysis Wing

{{Short description|Indian external intelligence agency}} {{Redirect|R&AW|other use|RAW (disambiguation)}} {{Use dmy dates|date=August 2020}} {{Infobox government agency | agency_name = Research & Analysis Wing (R&AW) | type = Intelligence agency | seal = Emblem of India (Government Gazette).svg | seal_width = 150px | seal_caption = State Emblem of India | logo = | logo_caption = | picture = Research&analysisWING.jpg | picture_width = 280px | picture_caption = R&AW's headquarters at Lodhi Road, New Delhi. | formed = {{Start date and age|1968|9|21|df=yes}}<ref>{{cite web|title=RAW: India’s External Intelligence Agency(Date of formation)|url=https://www.cfr.org/backgrounders/raw-indias-external-intelligence-agency|website=Council of foreign relations|access-date=11 March 2026|archive-date=13 February 2026|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260213133933/https://www.cfr.org/backgrounders/raw-indias-external-intelligence-agency|url-status=live}}</ref> | preceding1 = Intelligence Bureau | dissolved = | superseding = | agency_type = Foreign intelligence service | jurisdiction = Government of India | headquarters = CGO Complex, Lodhi Road, New Delhi, India | motto = ({{Langx|sa|धर्मो रक्षति रक्षितः}}) {{transliteration|sa|ISO|Dharmō Rakṣati Rakṣitaḥ}} {{translation|"''The Dharma protects its protector''"}} | employees = Classified | budget = ''Classified''<ref name="Caravan_1">{{Cite web|url=https://caravanmagazine.in/reportage/team-rivals|title=Team of Rivals|website=caravanmagazine.in|date=1 August 2010|access-date=22 October 2025|archive-date=7 October 2025|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20251007210913/https://caravanmagazine.in/reportage/team-rivals|url-status=live}}</ref> | minister1_name = Narendra Modi | minister1_pfo = Prime Minister of India | minister2_name = | minister2_pfo = | minister3_name = | minister3_pfo = | deputyminister1_name = | deputyminister1_pfo = | chief1_name = Parag Jain, IPS | chief1_position = Secretary of the Research and Analysis Wing | parent_department = Cabinet Secretariat | parent_agency = | child1_agency = Electronics and Technical Services (ETS) Aviation Research Centre (ARC) Radio Research Centre (RRC) Special Group (SG) Special Frontier Force (SFF) | keydocument1 = | website = Classified }}

The '''Research & Analysis Wing''' ('''R&AW''') is the foreign intelligence agency of the Government of India.<ref name="ijic" /> It is responsible for the collection, processing and assessment of intelligence outside India's borders deemed vital for the advancement of the country's national security interests.<ref name="FAsummary">{{cite news |date= |title=India, Intelligence and Security. Encyclopedia of Espionage, Intelligence, and Security (2004) |url=http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_gx5211/is_2004/ai_n19126352/ |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100306003114/http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_gx5211/is_2004/ai_n19126352/ |archive-date=6 March 2010 |access-date=11 October 2009 |work=BNet |publisher= |via=findarticles.com}}</ref> A key member of the Indian Intelligence Community, R&AW's mandate includes surveillance of foreign politico-military developments that directly affect India's foreign policy, counterproliferation and counterterrorism.<ref name="Print_4">{{Cite web|url=https://theprint.in/opinion/security-code/raw-must-answer-why-tolerates-poor-tradecraft-recruitment-standards-officer-oversight/2320373/|title=R&AW must answer why it tolerates poor tradecraft, recruitment standards, officer oversight|website=theprint.in|date=20 October 2024}}</ref><ref name=":6">{{cite web |last=Bajoria |first=Jayshree |date=7 November 2008 |title=RAW: India's External Intelligence Agency |url=https://www.cfr.org/backgrounder/raw-indias-external-intelligence-agency |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120707032714/http://www.cfr.org/india/raw-indias-external-intelligence-agency/p17707 |archive-date=7 July 2012 |access-date=2 July 2012 |publisher=Council on Foreign Relations |df=dmy-all}}</ref>

Administratively, R&AW is not an agency in essence, but rather functions as a ''wing'' of the Cabinet Secretariat, albeit with autonomy from bureaucratic control.<ref name="Federation of American Scientists">{{cite web |title=Research and Analysis Wing [RAW] |url=https://fas.org/irp/world/india/raw/index.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091203070530/http://fas.org/irp/world/india/raw/index.html |archive-date=3 December 2009 |access-date=11 October 2009 |website=fas.org |publisher=Federation of American Scientists |df=dmy}}</ref> Its chief officer – designated as Secretary (Research), works under the Cabinet Secretary and cooperates with the National Security Advisor to report to the Prime Minister on all intelligence-related concerns.<ref name="Federation of American Scientists"/>

Functionally, R&AW manages its own specialized service cadre – the Research and Analysis Service (RAS), although its core leadership is generally drawn from the Indian Police Service (IPS).<ref name=":6"/> Unlike other international contemporaries, R&AW is a creation of executive order, which has allowed it to operate without answerability to Parliament.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://lawschoolpolicyreview.com/2020/05/14/the-legitimacy-of-indian-intelligence-agencies/|title=Parliamentary oversight of intelligence agencies|website=lawschoolpolicyreview.com|date=8 July 2010|access-date=22 October 2025|archive-date=2 June 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230602151632/https://lawschoolpolicyreview.com/2020/05/14/the-legitimacy-of-indian-intelligence-agencies/|url-status=live}}</ref> Despite lacking a codified charter, R&AW's norms of conduct are drawn from the ''Intelligence Organisations (Restriction of Rights) Act, 1985''.<ref name="ORF_1">{{Cite web|url=https://www.orfonline.org/research/indias-enduring-challenge-of-intelligence-reforms|title=India's Enduring Challenge of Intelligence Reforms|website=www.orfonline.or|date=9 December 2020}}</ref><ref name=":6"/>

Historically, little verifiable information exists about R&AW's functioning; nevertheless, some of its known operations include espionage during the Indo-Pakistani conflict of 1971, assisting in the annexation of Sikkim in 1975, and reconnaissance of Pakistan's nuclear programme in the 1980s.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Mundhra |first=Shreya |date=16 December 2021 |title=1971 Masterstroke: How 'Kao Boys' & 'Manekshaw's Men' Helped India Liberate Bangladesh From Pakistan |url=https://www.eurasiantimes.com/kao-boys-manekshaws-men-india-liberate-bangladesh-from-pakistan/?amp |website=Eurasian Times}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last=Malhotra |first=Jyoti |date=15 August 2007 |title=What's the score on India's covert operations |url=http://www.telegraphindia.com/1070815/asp/opinion/story_8195501.asp |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120410230845/http://www.telegraphindia.com/1070815/asp/opinion/story_8195501.asp |archive-date=10 April 2012 |work=The Telegraph |location=Calcutta, India |df=dmy-all}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Prahladan |first=Vivek |date=6 January 2017 |title=Declassified: How India Tracked Pakistan's Development of a Nuclear Device |url=https://thediplomat.com/2017/01/declassified-how-india-tracked-pakistans-development-of-a-nuclear-device/ |website=The Diplomat}}</ref>

Presently, R&AW's current Secretary (Research) is Parag Jain, who took office on 1 July 2025.<ref name="Express_2">{{Cite web|url=https://indianexpress.com/article/india/parag-jain-new-raw-chief-operation-sindoor-mastermind-10094131/|title=Brain behind Operation Sindoor, 1989-batch officer Parag Jain appointed new R&AW chief|website=indianexpress.com|date=29 June 2025|access-date=22 October 2025|archive-date=5 November 2025|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20251105085132/https://indianexpress.com/article/india/parag-jain-new-raw-chief-operation-sindoor-mastermind-10094131/|url-status=live}}</ref>

==Objectives== Formally, R&AW does not have a written charter or legally-established statute that defines its responsibilies, but as the agency principally responsible for external intelligence collection, its mandate is ''understood'' to have the following: * '''Surveillance:''' To monitor the political and military developments in adjoining countries, which have direct bearing on India's national security and in the formulation of its foreign policy.<ref name=":6"/> * '''Counterproliferation:''' To seek the control and limitation of the supply of military assets to India's regional adversary i.e., Pakistan, from suppliers including Europe, the United States, and China.<ref name=":6"/> * '''Counterterrorism:''' To eliminate terrorist entities that pose a direct threat to sovereignty and security of India.<ref name="Unmasking">{{Cite web|url=https://moderndiplomacy.eu/2022/05/27/unmasking-indias-ib-and-raw/|title=Unmasking India's IB and RAW|website=moderndiplomacy.eu.com|date=27 May 2022}}</ref> * '''Collection:''' To conduct intelligence collection about foreign threats deemed averse to India's long-term national security interests, and to suppress them through covert action.<ref name=":6"/> * '''Cooperation:''' To cooperate with other nodes of the Indian intelligence apparatus, including the Intelligence Bureau (IB) and the National Technical Research Organisation (NTRO) to establish an integrated intelligence network and to advise the National Security Council about intelligence-related concerns.<ref name="VIF_1">{{Cite web|title=Strategic Policy Group – Evolution of Integrated National Security Structure |url=https://www.vifindia.org/article/2018/october/25/strategic-policy-group-evolution-of-integrated-national-security-structure|website=www.vifindia.org|date=25 October 2018}}</ref><ref name="inside_raw">{{Cite book |last1=Raina |first1=Asoka |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=0zYmAAAAMAAJ |title=Inside RAW: the story of India's secret service |publisher=Vikas |year=1981 |isbn=978-0-7069-1299-9 |location=New Delhi |pages=16 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160502173655/https://books.google.com/books?id=0zYmAAAAMAAJ |archive-date=2 May 2016 |url-status=live |df=dmy-all}}</ref>

==Organizational structure== ===Secretary (Research)=== {{Main|Secretary of the Research and Analysis Wing}} As R&AW functions as an arm of the Cabinet Secretariat, its ''chief officer'' – designated as Secretary (Research), works in the Cabinet Secretariat.<ref name="Print_1">{{Cite web|url=https://theprint.in/pageturner/excerpt/no-ips-officer-should-head-raw-chief-should-be-pms-choice-indira-gandhi-told-rn-kao/340457/|title=No IPS officer should head RAW, chief should be PM's choice — Indira Gandhi told RN Kao|website=theprint.in|date=25 December 2019}}</ref> By placement of position, the Secretary (Research) is understood to have the undermentioned details: * Works under the Cabinet Secretary while cooperating with the National Security Advisor to report-cum-advise the Prime Minister on all intelligence-related concerns and affairs.<ref name="Sahay_1">{{Cite web |last=Bhatt |first=Sheela |date=2 April 2003 |title=New R&AW chief is first to be trained in Israel |url=https://www.rediff.com/news/2003/apr/02raw.htm |access-date=20 April 2025 |website=Rediff.com}}</ref> * Exercises sweeping powers over R&AW's functioning, except regarding administrative and financial matters – which is the remit of the Cabinet Secretary.<ref name="Federation of American Scientists"/> * Is a member of the Strategic Policy Group under the National Security Council Secretariat, tasked with advising policymakers on long-term strategic reviews and national security decision-making.<ref name="VIF_1"/>

At the time of R&AW's inception in 1968, the Indira Gandhi-led government had designated the position of Secretary (Research) on par with other secretaries, such as the Home Secretary and the Foreign Secretary.<ref name="Hand">{{Cite web|url=https://www.rediff.com/news/2005/feb/02spec3.htm|title=A RAW hand|website=www.rediff.com|date=2 February 2005|access-date=24 October 2025|archive-date=9 February 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190209180621/https://www.rediff.com/news/2005/feb/02spec3.htm|url-status=live}}</ref> However, that status was degraded and redesignated as Director, R&AW – by the Morarji Desai-led government in 1977; nevertheless, the pre-1977 designation was reinstated by the Rajiv Gandhi-led government in 1986.<ref name="Hand"/>

The Secretary (Research) is appointed by the Prime Minister vis-à-vis the Appointments Committee of the Cabinet for an initial period of two years, with extensions permissible if the service of the officeholder is deemed fit for such extension.<ref name="Hindu_1">{{Cite web|url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/brain-behind-operation-sindoor-ips-parag-jain-is-new-raw-chief/article69748757.ece|title=Brain behind Operation Sindoor, IPS Parag Jain is new RAW Chief|website=www.thehindu.com|date=28 June 2025}}</ref><ref name="Print_2">{{Cite web|url=https://theprint.in/india/governance/raw-chief-goel-could-be-longest-serving-in-decades-but-modi-govt-undecided-on-another-extension/951506/|title=RAW chief Goel could be longest-serving in decades, but Modi govt undecided on another extension|website=theprint.in|date=16 May 2022}}</ref> The longest serving chief was R. N. Kao, who held the office from R&AW's inception in 1968 up to his retirement in 1977.<ref name="Print_2"/>

Although R&AW has its own specialized service cadre – the Research and Analysis Service (RAS), most of the organization's chiefs have been drawn from the Indian Police Service (IPS) – a practice which has often been criticized.<ref name="Express_1">{{Cite web|url=https://indianexpress.com/article/india/samant-goel-named-raw-chief-arvind-kumar-to-head-intelligence-bureau-5801791/|title=Samant Goel named R&AW chief, Arvind Kumar to head IB|website=indianexpress.com|date=27 June 2019|access-date=22 October 2025|archive-date=1 November 2025|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20251101093503/https://indianexpress.com/article/india/samant-goel-named-raw-chief-arvind-kumar-to-head-intelligence-bureau-5801791/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="Print_1"/> To date, N. F. Suntook and Vikram Sood are the only non-IPS officers to have ever led R&AW.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.rediff.com/news/2003/jan/21spec.htm|title=Who will succeed RAW chief Vikram Sood?|date=21 January 2003|work=Rediff|accessdate=19 February 2010|archive-date=6 January 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190106092855/https://m.rediff.com/news/2003/jan/21spec.htm|url-status=live}}</ref>

===Aviation Research Centre=== {{main|Aviation Research Centre}} The Aviation Research Centre (ARC) was established in 1963 for aerial reconnaissance after R. N. Kao persuaded the Government of India to create a dedicated airborne intelligence capability. It was later made permanent in 1971. ARC superseded the Indian Air Force's earlier reconnaissance aircraft and by the mid-1970s was producing high-quality aerial imagery of installations along the Line of Actual Control and the India–Pakistan border.<ref>{{cite news |last=Yadav |first=Yatish |date=28 April 2013 |title=Intelligence agencies run into babu bind |url=http://newindianexpress.com/thesundaystandard/Intelligence-agencies-run-into-babu-bind/2013/04/28/article1564632.ece1 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130704132333/http://newindianexpress.com/thesundaystandard/Intelligence-agencies-run-into-babu-bind/2013/04/28/article1564632.ece1 |archive-date=4 July 2013 |access-date=21 May 2013 |work=The Sunday Standard |publisher=The New Indian Express |location=New Delhi |df=dmy-all}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |last1=Conboy |first1=Kenneth J. |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=hsDtAAAAMAAJ |title=The CIA's Secret War in Tibet |last2=Morrison |first2=James |publisher=University Press of Kansas |year=2002 |isbn=978-0-7006-1159-1 |pages=188–195}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Aviation Research Center |url=https://www.bharat-rakshak.com/indianairforce/database/units/ARC |access-date=15 July 2025 |website=Bharat Rakshak |archive-date=19 August 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250819174935/https://www.bharat-rakshak.com/indianairforce/database/units/ARC |url-status=live }}</ref>

===Electronics and Technical Services=== {{main|Electronics and Technical Services}} The Electronics and Technical Services (ETS) unit was added to R&AW as the agency expanded its technical intelligence (TECHINT) capabilities during the late twentieth century. ETS provides technical support including electronic surveillance (ELINT), communications monitoring (COMINT), and specialized equipment used in intelligence gathering operations.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Strengthening India's External Intelligence Infrastructure: An Assessment|url=https://www.sspconline.org/sites/default/files/india-external-intelligence_0.pdf|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170413131705/http://sspconline.org/sites/default/files/india-external-intelligence_0.pdf |archive-date=13 April 2017 }}</ref>

===Radio Research Center=== The Radio Research Center (RRC) was established as part of the agency’s growing signals intelligence (SIGINT) and communications monitoring capability. It works alongside other technical units to intercept and analyze radio and communication signals relevant to national security operations.<ref>{{Cite journal | last1 = Shaffer| first1 = Ryan| title = Indian intelligence revealed: an examination of operations, failures and transformations | doi = 10.1080/02684527.2017.1327135 | journal = Intelligence and National Security | volume = 32 | issue = 4| pages = 598–610| year = 2017 | s2cid = 157485301}}</ref>

===Special Frontier Force=== {{main|Special Frontier Force}} The Special Frontier Force (SFF) is an Indian special forces unit composed primarily of Tibetan refugees and Gurkhas in India. It was established after the Sino-Indian War of 1962 to primarily conduct covert operations behind the Line of Actual Control in case of another war with China.<ref name="ijic"/>{{rp|262}}<ref>{{Cite journal |last1=Shaffer |first1=Ryan |year=2017 |title=Significant Distrust and Drastic Cuts: The Indian Government's Uneasy Relationship with Intelligence |url=https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/08850607.2017.1263529 |journal=International Journal of Intelligence and CounterIntelligence |publisher=Taylor & Francis |volume=30 |issue=3 |pages=522–531 |doi=10.1080/08850607.2017.1263529 |s2cid=157714194 |url-access=subscription}}</ref> Based in Chakrata,<ref>{{cite web|date=17 December 1971 |title=Establishment 22 |url=http://www.chushigangdruk.org/history/history11.htm |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150706173443/http://www.chushigangdruk.org/history/history11.htm |archive-date=6 July 2015 |access-date=28 September 2012 |publisher=chushigangdruk.org}}</ref> Uttarakhand, the force was put under the direct supervision of the Intelligence Bureau (IB), and later the Research and Analysis Wing (R&AW), India's external intelligence agency,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.bollywoodsargam.com/modules.php?name=News&file=print&sid=2813 |title=Bollywood Sargam – Special: Tibetan faujis in Bluestar |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130502133625/http://www.bollywoodsargam.com/modules.php?name=News&file=print&sid=2813 |archive-date=2 May 2013}}</ref> and is not part of the Indian Army but functions under their operational control with its own rank structure, charter and training infrastructure.

===Special Group=== {{main|Special Group (India)}} The Special Group (SG) is a covert special clandestine operation unit operating under the Research and Analysis Wing (R&AW). It was formed in the early 1980s to conduct sensitive missions such as counter-terrorism, special reconnaissance, and covert operations. The unit is believed to be composed largely of personnel drawn from the Parachute Regiment of the Indian Army. Due to the classified nature of its activities, most details about its structure and operations remain undisclosed.<ref name=":SG">{{Cite web|url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/punjab/special-group-warriors-of-stealth/story-qoVFwEMb9kHXNov80WKQRL.html|title=Special Group: Warriors of stealth|date=9 February 2014|website=Hindustan Times|language=en|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191003085832/https://www.hindustantimes.com/punjab/special-group-warriors-of-stealth/story-qoVFwEMb9kHXNov80WKQRL.html|archive-date=3 October 2019|access-date=2019-10-05}}</ref>

===Directorate General of Security=== {{main|Directorate General of Security (India)}} The Directorate General of Security (DGS) is an organisation under the Research and Analysis Wing responsible for supervising several specialized security and covert units. It oversees agencies such as the Special Frontier Force and the Aviation Research Centre. The directorate coordinates sensitive operations and provides administrative control for these units. Due to the classified nature of its work, many operational details remain undisclosed.<ref>[https://upload.indiacode.nic.in/schedulefile?aid=AC_CEN_39_65_00003_198558_1517807326430&rid=118 Schedule to the Intelligence Organisations (Restriction of Rights) Act, 1985], from ''India Code''</ref><ref>[https://archive.org/details/in.gazette.e.1987.1099/page/n1/mode/2up S.O. 208(E) dated 11 March 1987], ''The Gazette of India''</ref>

===Rank Structure of Officers & Employees=== Given R&AW's secretive nature, there is little verifiable knowledge regarding the true orientation of its administrative structure.<ref name=":6"/> Unlike other intelligence agencies like the IB or NIA, R&AW was created not as an agency per se, but rather a ''wing'', or arm of the Cabinet Secretariat – designed to mask any undue attention.<ref name="Print_1"/>

The R&AW is patterned on the lines of the Indian Foreign Service (IFS) in terms of rank structure, promotions, pay and allowances in India and abroad.<ref name="Memorandum for lateral induction into RAS">{{cite web|url=http://www.dop.rajasthan.gov.in/Uploadfiles/1932012_13248_Nomination%20of%20IFS%20for%20lateral%20Induction%20to%20the%20RAS.pdf |title=Memorandum for lateral induction into RAS |date=24 February 2012 |access-date=11 September 2013 |author=Cabinet Secretariat |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120609223638/http://www.dop.rajasthan.gov.in/Uploadfiles/1932012_13248_Nomination%20of%20IFS%20for%20lateral%20Induction%20to%20the%20RAS.pdf |archive-date=9 June 2012 |df=dmy }}</ref>

'''Note:''' In addition to their basic pay, R&AW officers are entitled to a '''Special Security Allowance''', amounting to approximately 20% of the basic pay and other allowances like DA, TA and HRA, while posted within India. When assigned to postings abroad, they receive a '''Foreign Allowance''' in addition to their basic pay.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://employmentnews.gov.in/3-60.pdf |title=Employment News PDF |website=Employment News |access-date=18 February 2026 |archive-date=19 August 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190819082736/http://employmentnews.gov.in/3-60.pdf |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name="Memorandum for lateral induction into RAS" />

===Field formations=== R&AW has 10 field formations all over India, known as '''Special Bureaus'''. These Bureaus have an area of responsibility targeted towards the countries that share land border with India. They are largely located in major cities near or along the borders:<ref>[https://madc.mizoram.gov.in/uploads/attachments/856e9770c9b8e63e7bb0bcd428555d31/posts-259-mara-reih-athaipa-chata-rai-ruapa.pdf Recruitment Notice for Field Assistant (GD)], R&AW Headquarters, 13 March 2020, forwarded to District Magistrate, Saiha, Mizoram by Deputy Commissioner, Special Bureau, Aizawl on 2 July 2020, see list of recipients on page 5 of the file, [https://web.archive.org/web/20210820030427/https://madc.mizoram.gov.in/uploads/attachments/856e9770c9b8e63e7bb0bcd428555d31/posts-259-mara-reih-athaipa-chata-rai-ruapa.pdf archived copy]</ref>

{| class="wikitable sortable mw-collapsible" style="width:100%; text-align:center;" |+Zonal Structure and Equivalent Ranks |- ! Zone ! Headquarters ! Rank of Zonal Head ! Equivalent Rank in R&AW |- | Northern Zone | Jammu | Additional Secretary | Additional Secretary |- | Eastern Zone | Kolkata | Commissioner | Joint Secretary |- | South-Western Zone | Mumbai | Commissioner | Joint Secretary |- | North-Eastern Zone | Shillong | Commissioner | Joint Secretary |- | Southern Zone | Chennai | Additional Commissioner | Director |- | Central Zone | Lucknow | Additional Commissioner | Director |- | Western Zone | Jodhpur | Deputy Commissioner | Deputy Secretary |}

===Stations abroad=== R&AW has been active in obtaining information and operating through third countries.<ref name="FAsummary" /> R&AW offices abroad have limited strength and are largely geared to the collection of military, economic, scientific, and political intelligence. R&AW monitors the activities of certain organisations abroad only insofar as they relate to their involvement with narco terrorist elements and smuggling arms, ammunition, explosives, etc. into India.<ref>{{cite journal |date=3 October 2017 |title=Vohra Committee Report (Ministry of Home Affairs) |journal=Indian Journal of Public Administration |volume=41 |issue=3 |pages=640–647 |doi=10.1177/0019556119950343 |s2cid=220370239}}</ref> It does not monitor the activities of criminal elements abroad, which are mainly confined to normal smuggling without any links to terrorist elements.<ref name="FAsummary" /><ref name="Federation of American Scientists" />

R&AW officers are posted to Indian diplomatic missions under official cover as diplomats, frequently in the consular wing. The relationship between R&AW and the MEA has historically been characterized by both cooperation & tension and there is a very thin line between the R&AW and the MEA as both organizations work on the matter of Indian Foreign Policy and National Security, according to The Times of India.<ref>{{cite web |title=MEA, RAW mum over official policy on declassification |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/mea-raw-mum-over-official-policy-on-declassification/articleshow/5003831.cms |website=The Times of India |date=13 September 2009 |access-date=18 February 2026}}</ref>

A task force report prepared by a New Delhi-based security think tank highlighted that R&AW operatives have inadequate number of non-official cover for overseas operations which 'limits access to spot real targets' and causes issues on handling 'high-value assets'.<ref name="outlookindia.com" />

== Recruitment == {{see also|Recruitment of spies}} ===Historical Way of recruitment=== Initially, R&AW relied primarily on trained intelligence officers who were recruited directly. These belonged to the external wing of the Intelligence Bureau. Candidates are mostly recruited from the IPS and few other civil services along with candidates from armed forces of India, the latter being in lesser number though. Later, it began directly recruiting graduates from universities. However owing to allegations of nepotism{{Citation needed |date=February 2026}} in appointments,<ref name=":10">{{cite book |last1=Banerji |first1=R |url=http://www.idsa.in/system/files/book_IntellegenceReform.pdf |title=A case for intelligence reforms in India |last2=Upadhyay |first2=PK |last3=Singh |first3=Harinder |publisher=Institute for Defence Studies and Analyses (IDSA) |year=2012 |isbn=978-93-82169-03-1 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131013204746/http://idsa.in/system/files/book_IntellegenceReform.pdf |archive-date=13 October 2013 |url-status=dead |df=dmy-all}}</ref> in 1983 R&AW created its own service cadre, the Research and Analysis Service (RAS),<ref>{{Cite book |last1=Levy |first1=Adrian |author-link1=Adrian Levy |title=Spy Stories. Inside the Secret World of R.A.W. and I.S.I. |last2=Scott-Clark |first2=Cathy |author-link2=Cathy Scott-Clark |publisher=Juggernaut |isbn=9789391165147 |chapter=Part 1—The Back Story. 1968—2000. The 1980s: I.S.I. soars |date=2021 }}</ref> to absorb talent from other Group A Civil Services, under the Central Staffing Scheme.<ref>{{cite web |title=Bharath asked: How about a website for R&AW and can we recruit more people from outside UPSC route? we got to change |url=http://www.idsa.in/askanexpert/HowaboutawebsiteforRAWandcanwerecruitmorepeoplefromoutsideUPSCroute |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120418162522/http://www.idsa.in/askanexpert/HowaboutawebsiteforRAWandcanwerecruitmorepeoplefromoutsideUPSCroute |archive-date=18 April 2012 |access-date=28 May 2012 |publisher=Institute for Defence Studies and Analyses (IDSA) |df=dmy-all}}</ref>

===Current Scenario=== There is no direct recruitment in the Research and Analysis Wing (R&AW). Individuals who wish to join R&AW must first qualify through one of the following competitive examinations to become academically eligible for Group A and Group B posts: UPSC CSE, UPSC ESE, GATE, RBI Grade B, UPSC IES, SSB Interview, CAPF Examination. After successfully clearing any of the aforementioned examinations, officers are required to join the corresponding Central Government service. Following a period of approximately four to five years, their Annual Confidential Reports (ACRs) are reviewed by the Research and Analysis Wing (R&AW). Based on this assessment, R&AW initiates the enrollment process for eligible officers into its specific organizational divisions. Then the candidates are required to undergo a separate selection process conducted by R&AW, which includes a specialized test and interview. Only those who successfully clear this process are appointed to the '''Research and Analysis Service (RAS)'''. Delhi-based security think tank Institute for Defence Studies and Analyses noted in one of its reports that R&AW suffered from the 'tail-end syndrome' where the 'bottom of the entrance lists' of those qualifying the UPSC examinations were offered jobs.<ref name="outlookindia.com">{{cite web |last=Datta |first=Saikat |date=28 February 2011 |title=Ghosts Who Walk |url=http://outlookindia.com/article.aspx?270538 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120407172251/http://www.outlookindia.com/article.aspx?270538 |archive-date=7 April 2012 |access-date=28 May 2012 |publisher=outlookindia.com |df=dmy-all}}</ref> Additionally, recruitment is also by lateral deputation from the Officer corps of Armed Forces or Group A Civil Service Officers.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.davp.nic.in/WriteReadData/ADS/eng_58101_6_1213b.pdf|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140325190918/http://www.davp.nic.in/WriteReadData/ADS/eng_58101_6_1213b.pdf|url-status=dead|title=Advertisement for position in Cabinet Secretariat |publisher=Directorate of Advertising and Visual Publicity| date= 19 August 2013|archive-date=25 March 2014}}</ref> The Civil and Defence Service Officers permanently resign their cadre and join the RAS. However, according to recent reports, officers can return to their parent cadre after serving a specific period in the agency if they wish to.<ref>{{cite web |last=Kaul |first=Sumir |date=27 August 2006 |title=Soon, a beefier, meaner, deadlier RAW |url=http://www.rediff.com/news/2006/aug/27raw.htm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091008101430/http://www.rediff.com/news/2006/aug/27raw.htm |archive-date=8 October 2009 |access-date=28 September 2009 |work=rediff.com |df=dmy-all}}</ref>

Most of the secretaries have been officers from the IPS, IRS and IFS officers. R&AW also employs a number of linguists and other experts in various fields.<ref>{{cite web |date=18 June 2002 |title=Career Queries Hotline: I want to join RAW. How should I go about it? |url=http://www.tribuneindia.com/2002/20020618/edu.htm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091203091159/http://www.tribuneindia.com/2002/20020618/edu.htm |archive-date=3 December 2009 |access-date=28 September 2009 |work=The Tribune |df=dmy-all}}</ref> The service conditions of R&AW officers are governed by the Research and Analysis Wing (Recruitment, Cadre and Service) Rules, 1975.<ref>{{cite web |title=Vinod Kumar Jain vs Union of India on 5 March, 2009 |url=http://www.indiankanoon.org/doc/58327933/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304122131/http://indiankanoon.org/doc/58327933/ |archive-date=4 March 2016 |access-date=25 March 2016 |publisher=indiankanoon.org |df=dmy-all}}</ref>

===Difference between Officer and Agent=== A common misconception exists that an agent (Spy) and an officer (Spymaster) are the same. This is not the case. Officers of the Research and Analysis Wing (R&AW) are formally appointed members of the Government of India, whereas agents are not enlisted or employed directly by the government. Recruitment is conducted exclusively for officers; agents are never formally inducted into government service.<ref>{{Cite video |title=Amar Bhushan, RAS (ex‑IPS) on R&AW Officers and Agents|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1-pojsb7DuI&t=1h3m0s|publisher=Raj Shamani |access-date=2026-02-03}}</ref>

Furthermore, when an R&AW officer is posted to a foreign embassy or assignment, they are provided official cover and the protections of diplomatic immunity. Agents, however, do not receive such privileges. If an officer’s activities are discovered, they may be declared a persona non grata; in contrast, an agent apprehended while conducting espionage may face prosecution and, in extreme cases, capital punishment.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Official Cover vs Non‑Official Cover |url=https://lithub.com/on-the-real-life-story-of-deep-cover-russian-spies-living-as-american-families/ |website=Literary Hub |access-date=2026-02-25}}</ref>

==Training== ===Basic Training=== Basic training consists of motivational talks and an introduction to the 'real' world of intelligence and espionage, as opposed to fiction.<ref name=":7">{{cite web |last=Hali |first=Gp Capt SM |date=February–March 1999 |title=Raw at War-Genesis of Secret Agencies in Ancient India |url=http://www.defencejournal.com/feb-mar99/raw-at-war.htm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090502180923/http://www.defencejournal.com/feb-mar99/raw-at-war.htm |archive-date=2 May 2009 |access-date=28 September 2009 |publisher=Defencejournal.com |df=dmy-all}}</ref> Common usages, tradecraft techniques and classification of information are taught.<ref name=":7" /> Case studies of other intelligence agencies are presented for study.<ref name=":7" /> The inductee is also taught the role of the country's foreign policy in the field.<ref name=":7" /> The recruit is made to specialise in a foreign language. Basic classroom training is imparted at the residential Training and Language Institute in Gurgaon.<ref>{{cite web |last=Sarin |first=Ritu |date=4 February 2014 |title=To bridge language gap, R&AW ropes in native linguists as 'gurus' |url=http://indianexpress.com/article/india/india-others/to-bridge-language-gap-raw-ropes-in-native-linguists-as-gurus/ |url-access=subscription |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140301085823/http://indianexpress.com/article/india/india-others/to-bridge-language-gap-raw-ropes-in-native-linguists-as-gurus/ |archive-date=1 March 2014 |access-date=23 February 2014 |work=The Indian Express |df=dmy-all}}</ref> A multi-disciplinary school of economic intelligence is also being set up in Mumbai to train intelligence officers in investigating economic crimes like money laundering for terror purposes.<ref>{{cite news |last=Thakur |first=Pradeep |date=17 July 2011 |title=Soon, training school for secret agents in Mumbai |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/Soon-training-school-for-secret-agents-in-Mumbai/articleshow/9253591.cms |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110717231320/http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/Soon-training-school-for-secret-agents-in-Mumbai/articleshow/9253591.cms |archive-date=17 July 2011 |work=The Times of India |df=dmy-all}}</ref> They are also sent to top-tier institutions such as Jawaharlal Nehru University.<ref name=":9">{{Cite web |last1=Chaudhuri |first1=Rudra |last2=Shende |first2=Shreyas |date=2024-05-30 |title=Low promotions, borrowed officers: India's hurdles in creating a professional intelligence service |url=https://theprint.in/pageturner/excerpt/low-promotions-borrowed-officers-indias-hurdles-in-creating-professional-intelligence-service/2108184/ |access-date=2025-07-21 |website=ThePrint |language=en-US |quote=excerpt from Institutional Roots of India's Security Policy...from Oxford University Press.}}</ref>

===Field Training=== After completing basic training the recruit is given field training.<ref name=":7" /> They learn the art of reconnaissance, making contacts, and the numerous skills of operating an intelligence mission.<ref name=":7" /> During night exercises they are taught infiltration and exfiltration.<ref name=":7" /> They are instructed to avoid capture and if caught, how to face interrogation.<ref name=":7" /> At the end of the field training, the recruit is brought back to school.<ref name=":7" /> Before deployment in the field, they are given exhaustive training in self-defence and the use of technical espionage devices.<ref name=":7" /> Field and arms training is provided by the Indian Military Academy (IMA)<ref>{{Cite book |last=Dhar |first=Maloy Krishna |author-link=Maloy Krishna Dhar |title=Open Secrets: India's Intelligence Unveiled |publisher=Manas Publications |year=2005 |isbn=978-81-7049-216-0}}</ref> and the Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF).<ref name=":9" /> Commando and explosives training are given to all recruits.<ref name=":8">{{Cite book |last=Yadav |first=Yatish |title=RAW: A History of India's Covert Operations |publisher=Westland Publications |year=2020 |isbn=9789389648096}}</ref> They are also drilled in various administrative disciplines so that they could take their place in foreign missions without arousing suspicion.<ref name=":7" />

Training lasts for four years.<ref name=":8" /> It aims to make the inductees ready to set up their own network of informers, moles or operatives, or operate under the cover of an Embassy to gather information, as the task may require.<ref name=":7" /> In the past, the training model has been criticised as being 'archaic and too police-centric and not incorporating 'modern technological advances in methods of communication'.<ref name="outlookindia.com" />

===Advanced Training=== Even after completing the field training, certain candidates who have performed exceptionally well during both Basic and Field training may be sent to friendly foreign countries for advanced espionage training and operational experience. For example, the former Chief of R&AW, C. D. Sahay, was sent to Israel for specialized training.<ref>{{cite web |title=New R&AW chief is first to be trained in Israel |url=https://www.rediff.com/news/report/raw/20030402.htm |publisher=Rediff.com |date=2 April 2003 |access-date=2026-03-12}}</ref>

==In public view== ===Oversight=== Formally, R&AW does not have a written statute, rather, it is a creation of executive order, which has allowed the agency to operate without answerability to Parliament.<ref name="Law_1">{{Cite web|url=https://lawschoolpolicyreview.com/2020/05/14/the-legitimacy-of-indian-intelligence-agencies/|title=The Legitimacy of Indian Intelligence Agencies|website=lawschoolpolicyreview.com|date=14 May 2020}}</ref> This nature is also shared by the Intelligence Bureau (IB), which also has its origin in executive order, and thus also lacks a written statute.<ref name="Law_1"/> Technically, it means both agencies exist and function without legal legitimacy or parliamentary authorization.<ref name="Accountability_2">{{Cite web|url=https://www.outlookindia.com/national/making-intelligence-agencies-accountable-news-263866|title=Making Intelligence Agencies Accountable|website=www.outlookindia.com|date=17 January 2024}}</ref>

Calls for accountability for India's intelligence apparatus were made in the aftermath of The Emergency of 1975–77, when institutional abuses under the then-Indira Gandhi government were widespread.<ref name="Accountability_3">{{Cite web|url=https://www.epw.in/journal/2014/25/web-exclusives/national-security-whom.html|title="National Security" for whom?|website=www.epw.in|date=21 June 2014}}</ref> In 1978, then-prime minister Morarji Desai appointed a committee headed by former Home Secretary L. P. Singh to investigate the functioning and misuse of the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) and the IB for political ends; it subsequently recommended the creation of “a comprehensive central legislation to remove the deficiency of not having a central investigative agency with a self-sufficient statutory charter of duties and functions”.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.deccanherald.com/india/needed-eagle-not-parrot-2259740|title=Needed an eagle, not a parrot|website=www.deccanherald.com|date=11 May 2013}}</ref> However, Gandhi's return to power in 1980 prevented the implementation of the recommendations.<ref name="Accountability_3"/> In 2010, then-vice president of India Hamid Ansari highlighted the need for R&AW to have accountability under parliamentary oversight to prevent any potential misuse of power.<ref name="Accountability_1">{{Cite web|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/v-p-pushes-for-mps-oversight-of-intelligence-agencies/articleshow/5478011.cms|title=V-P pushes for MP's oversight of intelligence agencies|website=timesofindia.indiatimes.com|date=10 January 2010|access-date=25 October 2025|archive-date=4 November 2025|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20251104184201/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/v-p-pushes-for-mps-oversight-of-intelligence-agencies/articleshow/5478011.cms|url-status=live}}</ref> In 2011, 2019 and 2024 Congress MP Manish Tewari attempted to introduce private member's bill to initiate oversight, called ''The Intelligence Services (Powers And Regulation) Bill''; however, none of his attempts succeeded.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.newindianexpress.com/nation/2024/Oct/19/parliamentary-oversight-of-intel-agencies-an-idea-whose-time-has-come-manish-tewari|title=Parliamentary oversight of intel agencies an idea whose time has come: Manish Tewari|website=www.newindianexpress.com|date=19 October 2024}}</ref> His 2011 attempt to pass the bill was criticized by former R&AW chiefs C. D. Sahay and Anand Verma as being too micromangerial towards R&AW operations; the bill was never passed.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.telegraphindia.com/opinion/eye-on-the-spies/cid/351898|title=EYE ON THE SPIES|website=www.telegraphindia.co|date=14 September 2011}}</ref>

Nevertheless, there have been some arguments in support of no oversight; it has been opined that a foreign intelligence agency does not operate within a permissible area – while they may be working in the interests of one's own country, they are certainly not operating in the interest of the host country, and are thus not liable to legal accountability.<ref name="ORF_2">{{Cite web|url=https://www.orfonline.org/research/legally-empowering-indias-intelligence-and-enforcement-structures|title=Legally empowering India's intelligence and enforcement structures|website=www.orfonline.org|date=9 December 2009|access-date=25 October 2025|archive-date=9 August 2025|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250809084514/https://www.orfonline.org/research/legally-empowering-indias-intelligence-and-enforcement-structures|url-status=live}}</ref> Another argument in favor is that in multi-party systems or coalition politics, the efficient functioning of the agency may be hindered due to political interference, thus necessitating a nature of functioning independent from oversight.<ref name="ORF_2"/>

===Scrutiny=== Since its inception in 1968, R&AW has maintained a rigorously secretive existence, with little information available about it in the public domain about its operational activities.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://latest.sundayguardianlive.com/investigation/raw-continues-to-be-secretive-unlike-its-global-intelligence-counterparts|title=R&AW continues to be secretive unlike its global intelligence counterparts|website=sundayguardianlive.com|date=28 April 2024}}</ref>

Provisionally, the vast majority of India's intelligence apparatus – including R&AW, are listed in the Second Schedule of the ''Right to Information Act, 2005'', which in conjunction of Section 24 of the Act, is exempted from the public disclosure of sensitive information, unless the information that is requested pertains to allegations of corruption and human rights violations.<ref name="Law_2">{{Cite web|url=https://www.scconline.com/blog/post/2025/09/09/exempted-authorities-under-section-24-of-the-rti-act-an-in-depth-analysis-across-jurisdictions/|title=Exempted Authorities under Section 24 of the RTI Act: An in-Depth Analysis Across Jurisdictions|website=www.scconline.com|date=9 September 2025}}</ref> However, the information related to such allegations may also be withheld, if it is found to be in contravention to Section 8 of the Act, which specifies that "information, disclosure of which would prejudicially affect the sovereignty and integrity of India, the security, strategic, scientific or economic interests of the State".<ref name="RTI_1">{{Cite web|url=https://dopt.gov.in/sites/default/files/RTI%20Act%202005%20%28Updated%29.PDF|title=THE RIGHT TO INFORMATION ACT, 2005|website=dopt.gov.in}}</ref>

==History== ===Background (1923–69)=== Prior to the inception of the Research and Analysis Wing, overseas intelligence collection was primarily the responsibility of the Intelligence Bureau (IB),<ref name=":6" /> which was created by the Government of India during British Raj in 1887.<ref>{{Cite book |last=Chaya |first=Dheeraj Paramesha |title=India's Intelligence Culture and Strategic Surprises. Spying for South Block |publisher=Routledge |year=2022 |chapter=Chapter 1. Lord Curzon and India's First Intelligence Reform |quote=on 23 December 1887 the Central Special Branch was established, which independent India's Intelligence Bureau considers its date of birth.}}</ref> In 1933, sensing the political turmoil in the world which eventually led to the Second World War, the Intelligence Bureau's responsibilities were increased to include the collection of intelligence along India's borders.<ref>{{Cite book |last=Ghosh |first=Srikanta |title=Keeping the Peace. For Whom the Bell Tolls : Police Then and Now |publisher=Ashish Publishing House |year=1989 |isbn=9788170242376 |pages=3}}</ref><ref name=":7" />

In 1947, after independence, Sanjeevi Pillai took over as the first Indian Director of the IB.<ref name=":5">{{Cite book |last=Yadav |first=RK |title=Mission RAW |publisher=Manas Publications |year=2014 |isbn=978-81-7049-474-4 |pages=24, 25}}</ref> B. N. Mullik took over in 1950 until 1965.<ref name=":5" /> Having been depleted of trained manpower by the exit of the British after Indian independence,<ref name=":5" /> Pillai tried to run the bureau on MI5 lines.<ref name=":7" /> In 1949, Pillai organised a small foreign intelligence set-up, but the Indian debacle in the Sino-Indian War of 1962 showed it to be ineffective.<ref name=":7" /> The Directorate General of Security was created as a result.<ref name=":10" />After the Indo-Pakistani war of 1965, the Chief of Army Staff, General Joyanto Nath Chaudhuri, also called for more intelligence-gathering.<ref name=":7" /> The Mizo revolt in 1966 also acted as a reason for the changes in the external intelligence structure.<ref name=":10" /> Around the end of 1966 the concept of a separate foreign intelligence agency began to take concrete shape.<ref name=":7" />

===Formation of R&AW in 1968 to present=== thumb|299x299px|The framework of Indian intelligence

There is no official source in the public domain for the reasoning behind the creation of R&AW.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Gokhale |first=Nitin A. |date=25 December 2019 |title=No IPS officer should head RAW, chief should be PM's choice — Indira Gandhi told RN Kao |url=https://theprint.in/pageturner/excerpt/no-ips-officer-should-head-raw-chief-should-be-pms-choice-indira-gandhi-told-rn-kao/340457/ |access-date=2025-07-23 |website=ThePrint |language=en-US}}</ref>

In 1968 the Indira Gandhi administration decided that a full-fledged second security service was needed.<ref name=":7" /> RN Kao, then a deputy director of the Intelligence Bureau,<ref name=":7" /> and head of IB's External Wing,<ref name=":11">{{Cite book |last=Chaudhuri |first=Rudra |title=Routledge Companion to Intelligence Studies |publisher=Routledge |year=2014 |isbn=9780415507523 |editor-last=Dover |editor-first=Robert |pages=185 |chapter=Systems of intelligence. Chapter 18: India |editor-last2=Goodman |editor-first2=Michael S. |editor-last3=Hillebrand |editor-first3=Claudia}}</ref> submitted a blueprint for the new agency.<ref name=":7" /> Kao was appointed as the chief of India's first foreign intelligence agency, the Research and Analysis Wing.<ref name="ijic">{{Cite journal |last=Shaffer |first=Ryan |year=2015 |title=Unraveling India's Foreign Intelligence: The Origins and Evolution of the Research and Analysis Wing |url=https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/08850607.2015.992754 |journal=International Journal of Intelligence and CounterIntelligence |volume=28 |issue=2 |pages=252–289 |doi=10.1080/08850607.2015.992754 |s2cid=154372472 |url-access=subscription |df=dmy-all}}</ref>{{rp|259}} Frontmen included Sankaran Nair, MBK Nair, IS Hassanwalia and PN Banerjee.<ref>{{Cite book |last1=Nandakumar |first1=Anusha |title=The War That Made R&AW |last2=Saket |first2=Sandeep |publisher=Westland Publications |year=2021 |isbn=9789389152579 |pages=22}}</ref> The R&AW was given the responsibility for strategic external intelligence, human as well as technical, plus concurrent responsibility with the Directorate-General of Military Intelligence for tactical trans-border military intelligence up to a certain depth across the Line of control (LOC) and the international border.

From its inception R&AW has been criticised for being an agency not answerable to the people of India (R&AW reports to Prime Minister only). Fears arose that it could turn into the KGB of India. Such fears were kept at bay by the R&AW's able leadership{{cn|date=March 2026}} (although detractors of R&AW and especially the Janata Party have accused the agency of letting itself be used for terrorising and intimidating opposition during the 1975–1977 Emergency). The main controversy which has plagued R&AW in recent years is over bureaucratisation of the system with allegations about favouritism in promotions, corruption, ego clashes, no financial accountability,<ref name="outlookindia.com"/> and inter-departmental rivalry.<ref>{{cite web |last= |first= |date=13 February 2009 |title=Special report: New Era, New Hope at India's Intelligence Agency |url=http://intellibriefs.blogspot.com/2009/02/special-report-new-era-new-hope-at.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100205090738/http://intellibriefs.blogspot.com/2009/02/special-report-new-era-new-hope-at.html |archive-date=5 February 2010 |access-date=4 March 2010 |website=intellibriefs.blogspot.com |publisher= |df=dmy-all}}</ref><ref>Kutty, C K (2 February 2005). [http://us.rediff.com/news/2005/feb/02spec3.htm A RAW Hand]. rediff.com. {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100315153842/http://us.rediff.com/news/2005/feb/02spec3.htm|date=15 March 2010}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Can its new chief turn R&AW around? |url=http://in.rediff.com/news/2009/feb/02can-new-chief-turn-raw-around.htm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090518102120/http://in.rediff.com/news/2009/feb/02can-new-chief-turn-raw-around.htm |archive-date=18 May 2009 |access-date=28 September 2009 |work=rediff.com |df=dmy-all}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last=Gilani |first=Iftikhar |date=12 September 2011 |title=The unintelligence of India's intelligence system |url=http://www.tehelka.com/story_main50.asp?filename=Ws120911unintelligence.asp |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140325204303/http://archive.tehelka.com/story_main50.asp?filename=Ws120911unintelligence.asp |archive-date=25 March 2014 |access-date=28 May 2012 |work=Tehelka |df=dmy-all}}</ref> Noted security analyst and former Additional Secretary B. Raman has criticised the agency for its asymmetric growth; "while being strong in its capability for covert action it is weak in its capability for intelligence collection, analysis and assessment. Strong in low and medium-grade intelligence, weak in high-grade intelligence. Strong in technical intelligence, weak in human intelligence. Strong in collation, weak in analysis. Strong in investigation, weak in prevention. Strong in crisis management, weak in crisis prevention."<ref name=":12">Raman, B. (2007). 'The Kaoboys of RAW: Down Memory Lane'. Lancer Publishers (2007). p 10, 287. {{ISBN|0-9796174-3-X}}</ref>

R&AW started as a wing of the Intelligence Bureau with 250 employees and an annual budget of {{Indian Rupee}}2 crore.<ref name="Federation of American Scientists" /><ref name=":7" /> In the early seventies, its annual budget had risen to {{Indian Rupee}}30 crore while its personnel numbered several thousand.<ref name=":7" /> By 2000, the think tank FAS estimated the budget was Rs.1500 crore ($145 million).<ref name="Federation of American Scientists" /><ref name=":6" /> Other 2002–03 estimates place the budget from as high as {{USD}}150 million to as low as {{USD}}31 million.<ref>{{Cite magazine |last=McGirk |first=Tim |date=29 April 2002 |title=India vs. Pakistan |url=http://www.time.com/time/magazine/article/0%2C9171%2C501020506-234000%2C00.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071013112338/http://www.time.com/time/magazine/article/0%2C9171%2C501020506-234000%2C00.html |archive-date=13 October 2007 |magazine=Time}}</ref><ref name="brasseys_international_intelligence_yearbook_2003_edition">{{Cite book |last1=Henderson |first1=Robert W. |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=NEp9FjHckLYC |title=Brassey's International Intelligence Yearbook: 2003 Edition (Brassey's International Intelligence Yearbook (Paperback)) |publisher=Brassey's Inc |year=2003 |isbn=978-1-57488-550-7 |page=78 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160108060646/https://books.google.com/books?id=NEp9FjHckLYC |archive-date=8 January 2016 |url-status=live |df=dmy-all}}</ref>

==International Operations== The known activities and international operations of R&AW, by country:

===Africa=== ====South Africa and Namibia==== R&AW trained the intelligence officers of many independent African countries and assisted the anti-apartheid struggles in South Africa and Namibia. Retired R&AW officers were deputed to work in training institutes of intelligence agencies of some African states.<ref>{{cite web |last=Chaulia |first=Sreeram |date=18 August 2007 |title=Book Review: India's silent warriors. The Kaoboys of R&AW: Down Memory Lane |url=http://www.atimes.com/atimes/South_Asia/IH18Df03.html |url-status=unfit |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140814175215/http://www.atimes.com/atimes/South_Asia/IH18Df03.html |archive-date=14 August 2014 |access-date=28 May 2012 |work=Asia Times |df=dmy-all}}</ref>

====Senegal==== R&AW was one of the primary agencies that provided the information about Ravi Pujari being located in Senegal. This information was provided to Senegalese authorities, who arrested Pujari and deported him to India. He was formally arrested at Kempegowda International Airport by Karnataka Police.<ref>{{cite web |last=Babu |first=Venkatesha |date=March 2020 |title=How a special squad caught gangster Ravi Pujari |url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/on-the-run-for-over-20-years-how-a-special-squad-tracked-down-pujari/story-KJP5PGsHZQEQpR9ZK7tsTN.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200623040948/https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/on-the-run-for-over-20-years-how-a-special-squad-tracked-down-pujari/story-KJP5PGsHZQEQpR9ZK7tsTN_amp.html |archive-date=23 June 2020 |access-date=1 March 2020 |publisher=Hindustan Times}}</ref>

===Asia=== ====Afghanistan==== During the Soviet War in Afghanistan, R&AW had recruited three powerful warlords, including Ahmad Shah Massoud.<ref>{{cite web |last=Joy |first=Shemin |date=2 August 2020 |title=R&AW had recruited three warlords in Afghanistan, says book |url=https://www.deccanherald.com/india/raw-had-recruited-three-warlords-in-afghanistan-says-book-868599.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230415010922/https://www.deccanherald.com/amp/national/raw-had-recruited-three-warlords-in-afghanistan-says-book-868599.html |archive-date=15 April 2023 |access-date=10 October 2023 |publisher=Deccan Herald}}</ref>

In 1996, R&AW had built a 25-bed military hospital at the Farkhor Air Base.{{efn|The Northern Alliance military commander, Ahmad Shah Massoud, who was assassinated in September 2001 by two Arab suicide bombers posing as journalists, died in the India-run hospital.<ref name="farkhor"/>}}<ref name="farkhor">{{cite web |last=Bedi |first=Rahul |date=14-27 September 2002 |title=India and Central Asia |url=http://www.frontlineonnet.com/fl1919/19190600.htm |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081202171947/http://www.frontlineonnet.com/fl1919/19190600.htm |archive-date=2 December 2008 |access-date=28 September 2009 |website=frontlineonnet.com |publisher=Frontline |df=dmy}}</ref> This airbase was used by the Aviation Research Centre, the reconnaissance arm of R&AW, to repair and operate the Northern Alliance's aerial support. This relationship was further cemented in the 2001 Afghan war.<ref name="farkhor"/><ref>{{cite web |last=Bedi |first=Rahul |date=15 March 2001 |title=India joins anti-Taliban coalition – Jane's Security News |url=http://www.janes.com/security/international_security/news/jir/jir010315_1_n.shtml |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080226012915/http://www.janes.com/security/international_security/news/jir/jir010315_1_n.shtml |archive-date=26 February 2008 |access-date=28 September 2009 |publisher=Janes.com}}</ref>

After the September 11, 2001 attacks, R&AW provided the intelligence to western countries that there were over 120 training camps operating in Afghanistan and Pakistan, run by a variety of militant groups.<ref name=Cnn-2001-09-19> {{cite news |url=http://archives.cnn.com/2001/WORLD/asiapcf/central/09/19/inv.afghanistan.camp/ |title=India identifies terrorist training camps |publisher=CNN |date=2001-09-19 |author=Bindra, Satinder |quote=Sources told CNN that more than 120 camps are operating in the two countries. |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081210073323/http://archives.cnn.com/2001/WORLD/asiapcf/central/09/19/inv.afghanistan.camp/ |archive-date=2008-12-10 }} </ref>

After the overthrow of Taliban in Afghanistan in 2001, R&AW was the first intelligence agency to determine the extent of the Kunduz airlift.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Hersh |first1=Seymour M |date=28 January 2002 |title=The Getaway |url=http://www.newyorker.com/archive/2002/01/28/020128fa_FACT?currentPage=all |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140701233232/http://www.newyorker.com/archive/2002/01/28/020128fa_FACT?currentPage=all |archive-date=1 July 2014 |access-date=17 July 2014 |magazine=The New Yorker |df=dmy-all}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/how-india-secretly-armed-ahmad-shah-massouds-northern-alliance/article29310513.ece|title=How India secretly armed Afghanistan's Northern Alliance|last=Sudarshan|first=V.|date=2019-09-01|work=The Hindu|access-date=2019-09-10|language=en-IN|issn=0971-751X|archive-date=18 August 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210818135158/https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/how-india-secretly-armed-ahmad-shah-massouds-northern-alliance/article29310513.ece|url-status=live}}</ref>

In 2017, R&AW undertook a counter-terrorism operation, described as "unprecedented in its scale and scope", foiling a major terrorist attack by an Islamic State – Khorasan suicide bomber in New Delhi. The CIA was also involved in this operation. The militant was later transferred to a US base in Afghanistan for further questioning. The operation spanned 3 countries and involved 80 Research officers.<ref>{{cite news |last=Sarin |first=Ritu |date=11 July 2018 |title=Indian intelligence infiltrated Islamic State ring to track, arrest Afghan suicide bomber sent to hit Delhi |url=https://www.indianexpress.com/article/india/indian-intelligence-infiltrated-is-ring-to-track-arrest-afghan-suicide-bomber-sent-to-hit-delhi-5254357/lite/ |url-access=subscription |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180711112514/https://indianexpress.com/article/india/indian-intelligence-infiltrated-is-ring-to-track-arrest-afghan-suicide-bomber-sent-to-hit-delhi-5254357/lite/ |archive-date=11 July 2018 |access-date=11 July 2018 |publisher=Indian Express}}</ref>

In November–December 2019, a special exfiltration operation was undertaken by R&AW. At least four Indian nationals working in various parts of Afghanistan, that had been abducted by the Haqqani network, were successfully rescued.<ref>{{cite web |last=Mishra |first=Abhinandan |date=4 January 2020 |title=Agencies rescue Indians abducted in Afghan |url=https://www.sundayguardianlive.com/news/agencies-rescue-indians-abducted-afghan |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200623125423/https://www.sundayguardianlive.com/news/agencies-rescue-indians-abducted-afghan |archive-date=23 June 2020 |access-date=4 January 2020 |publisher=Sunday Guardian}}</ref>

In 2020, 10 MSS operatives from Xinjiang State Security Department (XSSD) were arrested in Kabul by the Afghan NDS. During questioning, one of the operatives told the interrogators that they were gathering information about al-Qaeda, Taliban and Turkistan Islamic Party in Kunar and Badakhshan provinces, and wanted to assassinate high-level members of TIP. This counter-intelligence operation was undertaken based on a tip from R&AW.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Mehrdad |first=Ezzatullah |date=17 February 2021 |title=Did China Build a Spy Network in Kabul? |url=https://thediplomat.com/2021/02/did-china-build-a-spy-network-in-kabul/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210817222700/https://thediplomat.com/2021/02/did-china-build-a-spy-network-in-kabul/ |archive-date=17 August 2021 |access-date=17 August 2021 |website=thediplomat.com}}</ref>

====Bangladesh==== {{Further|Bangladesh Liberation War|Indo-Pakistani War of 1971}} In the early 1970s, the army of Pakistan launched military crackdown in response to the Bangladesh independence movement.<ref>{{Banglapedia|Operation_Searchlight|Operation Searchlight}}</ref> Nearly 1 crore (10 million) refugees fled to India. R&AW was instrumental in the formation of the Bangladeshi guerrilla organisation Mukti Bahini and responsible for supplying information, providing training and heavy ammunition to this organisation. Special Frontier Force, then under R&AW, actively participated in military operations especially in the Chittagong Hill Tracts.<ref>{{cite news |last=Swami |first=Praveen |author-link=Praveen Swami |date=26 December 2011 |title=India's secret war in Bangladesh |url=http://www.thehindu.com/opinion/lead/indias-secret-war-in-bangladesh/article2747538.ece |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140331062228/http://www.thehindu.com/opinion/lead/indias-secret-war-in-bangladesh/article2747538.ece |archive-date=31 March 2014 |work=The Hindu |location=Chennai, India |df=dmy-all}}</ref> After the war ended in the successful creation of Bangladesh, four years later Sheikh Mujibur Rahman was assassinated on 15 August 1975 at his residence.<ref>{{cite news |author=Radhakrishnan |first=R. K. |date=13 April 2013 |title=Before his assassination, there was an attempt on Mujib's life |url=http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/before-his-assassination-there-was-an-attempt-on-mujibs-life/article4611312.ece |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161226225316/http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/before-his-assassination-there-was-an-attempt-on-mujibs-life/article4611312.ece |archive-date=26 December 2016 |access-date=25 March 2016 |newspaper=The Hindu |df=dmy-all}}</ref> R&AW operatives claimed that they had advance information about Mujibur Rahman's assassination but Sheikh Mujib tragically ignored inputs.<ref name="SunilSaini_RNKao">{{Cite news |last=Sainis |first=Sunil |date=March–April 2002 |title=Obituary:Rameshwar Nath Kao (1918–2002) |url=http://www.bharat-rakshak.com/MONITOR/ISSUE4-5/sainis.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090520170101/http://www.bharat-rakshak.com/MONITOR/ISSUE4-5/sainis.html |archive-date=20 May 2009 |access-date=28 September 2009 |work=Volume 4(5) |publisher=Bharat Rakshak Monitor |df=dmy}}</ref> He was killed along with much of his family. Later, R&AW successfully thwarted plans of assassinating Sheikh Hasina Wazed, daughter of Mujibur Rahman, by Islamist extremists.<ref>[http://www.lankalibrary.com/pol/hasina.html The plan to assassinate Bangladesh Prime Minister Shiekh Hasina Wajed: How LTTE deal was blocked, suicide bombers failed to explode] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20061110235700/http://www.lankalibrary.com/pol/hasina.html |date=10 November 2006 }} last visited on 9.4.07</ref>

In 1990, R&AW helped engineer and support a democratic uprising against Mohammed Ershad, thus leading to his resignation. His pro-Pakistan and anti-Hindu policy decisions had been considered a threat by Indian government.<ref>{{cite web |last=Yadav |first=Yatish |date=2 August 2020 |title='R&AW: A History of India's Covert Operations' showcases India's shadow warriors |url=https://www.newindianexpress.com/magazine/2020/Aug/02/raw-a-history-of-indias-covert-operations-showcases-indias-shadow-warriors-2176989.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230920033749/https://www.newindianexpress.com/magazine/2020/aug/02/raw-a-history-of-indias-covert-operations-showcases-indias-shadow-warriors-2176989.amp |archive-date=20 September 2023 |access-date=10 October 2023 |publisher=New Indian Express}}</ref>

In 1991, after Khaleda Zia won an election, India was alarmed over increased harassment of pro-India politicians, large-scale radicalisation and meticulously planned infiltration of trained extremists into Indian territory by Jamaat-e-Islami. JeI had set-up several terror training camps located along the border. In order to stop this activity, R&AW spontaneously bombed several of its camps and a major ISI safe house, thus dismantling JeI's terror network.<ref>{{cite web |last=Yadav |first=Yatish |date=30 June 2018 |title=R&AW covert ops dismantled Jamaat-e-Islami terror camps in 1992, reveals spymaster Amar Bhushan in book |url=https://www.firstpost.com/india/raw-covert-ops-dismantled-jamaat-e-islami-terror-camps-in-1992-reveals-spymaster-amar-bhushan-in-book-4636441.html/amp |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180706161727/https://www.firstpost.com/india/raw-covert-ops-dismantled-jamaat-e-islami-terror-camps-in-1992-reveals-spymaster-amar-bhushan-in-book-4636441.html/amp |archive-date=6 July 2018 |access-date=30 June 2018 |publisher=Firstpost}}</ref>

In 1977–97, India took active part in Chittagong Hill Tracts conflict. R&AW trained and financed the rebels of Shanti Bahini, the militant wing of the PCJSS. In 2025, the chief of the PCJSS, Santu Larma, was accused of carrying out human rights violations, child soldier recruitment, arms and narcotics trafficking on behalf of the Government of Bangladesh.<ref>{{Cite web |author= |date=2025-07-14 |title=CHT Youth Federation urges UN to expel PCJSS (Santu) over human rights abuses |url=https://nenews.in/neighbours/cht-youth-federation-urges-un-to-expel-pcjss-santu-over-human-rights-abuses/28883/ |access-date=2025-09-21 |website=Northeast News – Northeast India news 24×7 |language=en-US |archive-date=16 July 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250716091621/https://nenews.in/neighbours/cht-youth-federation-urges-un-to-expel-pcjss-santu-over-human-rights-abuses/28883/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name="nyt11Jun1989">{{cite news |last=Hazarika |first=Sanjoy |date=11 June 1989 |title=Bangladeshi Insurgents Say India Is Supporting Them |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1989/06/11/world/bangladeshi-insurgents-say-india-is-supporting-them.html|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20140807013059/https://www.nytimes.com/1989/06/11/world/bangladeshi-insurgents-say-india-is-supporting-them.html|archive-date=August 7, 2014|newspaper=The New York Times}}</ref><ref name="academia.edu">{{cite journal |author=Kabir |first=A. |date=January 2005 |title=Bangladesh: A Critical Review of the Chittagong Hill Tract (CHT) Peace Accord |url=https://www.academia.edu/2504753 |url-status=live |journal=Working Paper No 2. The Role of Parliaments in Conflict & Post Conflict in Asia |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220517154946/https://www.academia.edu/2504753 |archive-date=17 May 2022 |access-date=8 March 2015}}</ref>

====China==== {{see also|Nanda Devi Plutonium Mission}} After China tested its first nuclear weapons on 16 October 1964, at Lop Nur, Xinjiang, India and the USA shared a common fear about the nuclear capabilities of China.<ref>{{cite book |last1=Kohli |first1=M. S. |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=yajeAAAAMAAJ |title=Spies in the Himalayas: Secret Missions and Perilous Climbs |last2=Conboy |first2=Kenneth J. |publisher=University Press of Kansas |year=2002 |isbn=978-0-7006-1223-9 |pages=54–56}}</ref><ref>'An Eye at the Top of the World', by Pete Takeda, Thunder's Mouth Press; 1st edition (4 September 2006), {{ISBN|1-56025-845-4}}</ref> Owing to the extreme remoteness of Chinese testing grounds, strict secrecy surrounding the Chinese nuclear programme, and the extreme difficulty that an Indian or American would have passing themselves off as Chinese, it was almost impossible to carry out any HUMINT operation. So, the CIA in the late 1960s decided to launch an ELINT operation along with R&AW and ARC to track China's nuclear tests and monitor its missile launches. The operation, in the garb of a mountaineering expedition to Nanda Devi involved Indian climber M S Kohli who along with operatives of Special Frontier Force and the CIA – most notably Jim Rhyne, a veteran STOL pilot – was to place a permanent ELINT device, a transceiver powered by a plutonium battery, that could detect and report data on future nuclear tests carried out by China.<ref>Spies in the Himalayas, by Kenneth Conboy and M.S. Kohli, University Press of Kansas (March 2003), {{ISBN|0-7006-1223-8}}</ref> The monitoring device was near successfully implanted on Nanda Devi, when an avalanche forced a hasty withdrawal.<ref>Harish Kapadia, "Nanda Devi", in ''World Mountaineering'', Audrey Salkeld, editor, Bulfinch Press, 1998, {{ISBN|0-8212-2502-2}}, pp. 254–257.</ref> Later, a subsequent mountain operation to retrieve or replant the device was aborted when it was found that the device was lost. Recent reports indicate that radiation traces from this device have been discovered in sediment below the mountains.<ref name="seattle_pi">{{Cite news |url=http://www.seattlepi.com/local/309005_spymain26.html |title=Spy Robert Schaller's life of secrecy, betrayal and regrets |work=Seattle Post-Intelligencer |date=25 March 2007 |access-date=28 September 2009 |first1=Carol |last1=Smith |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141103171044/http://www.seattlepi.com/local/article/Spy-Robert-Schaller-s-life-of-secrecy-betrayal-1232285.php |archive-date=3 November 2014 |df=dmy-all }}</ref>

In February 2020, Indian Customs officials detained a Chinese ship from Shanghai Port, at Kandla Port. The ship was bound for Port Qasim in Karachi. It was seized for wrongly declaring an autoclave, which can be used in the launch process of ballistic missiles, as an industrial dryer. This seizure was done on an intelligence tip-off by R&AW.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.moneycontrol.com/news/trends/pak-bound-chinese-ship-intercepted-in-india-contains-cargo-used-to-launch-missiles-4951051.html/amp|title=Pak-bound Chinese ship intercepted in India, contains cargo used to launch missiles|access-date=17 February 2020|publisher=MoneyControl|archive-date=17 February 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200217164700/https://www.moneycontrol.com/news/trends/pak-bound-chinese-ship-intercepted-in-india-contains-cargo-used-to-launch-missiles-4951051.html/amp|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last=Kartha |first=Tara |date=20 February 2020 |title=Mystery Chinese ship to Karachi, 5 indicted in US show Pakistan's nuclear racket is alive |url=https://www.theprint.in/opinion/mystery-chinese-ship-to-karachi-5-arrested-in-us-show-pakistans-nuclear-racket-is-alive/368151/%3famp |access-date=20 February 2020 |publisher=The Print}}</ref>

==== Fiji ====

In Fiji, where Fijians with Indian ancestry were being persecuted by Sitiveni Rabuka, R&AW launched an operation involving informants in Australia, New Zealand and UK to successfully oust him from power.<ref name="Fiji">{{cite news |last=Yadav |first=Yatish |date=2 August 2020 |title='RAW: A History of India's Covert Operations' showcases India's shadow warriors |url=https://www.newindianexpress.com/magazine/2020/aug/02/raw-a-history-of-indias-covert-operations-showcases-indias-shadow-warriors-2176989.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210601210018/https://www.newindianexpress.com/magazine/2020/aug/02/raw-a-history-of-indias-covert-operations-showcases-indias-shadow-warriors-2176989.html |archive-date=1 June 2021 |access-date=20 June 2021 |work=The New Indian Express |publisher=}}</ref>

====Iran==== In August 1991, R&AW undertook a physical surveillance and tracking operation of Indian nationals from Jammu and Kashmir that were taking weapons training in Qom.<ref>{{cite web |last=Mishra |first=Abhinandan |date=6 July 2019 |title=Ex-R&AW officers want PM to act against Hamid Ansari's 'anti-national' acts |url=https://www.sundayguardianlive.com/news/ex-raw-officers-want-pm-act-hamid-ansaris-anti-national-acts |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190708031124/https://www.sundayguardianlive.com/news/ex-raw-officers-want-pm-act-hamid-ansaris-anti-national-acts |archive-date=8 July 2019 |access-date=9 July 2019 |publisher=Sunday Guardian}}</ref>

====Malaysia==== Since 2014, R&AW has undertaken numerous identification, physical surveillance and tracking operations in Malaysia targeted towards Khalistani organisations. It is only of because such operations that many high-ranking Khalistani militants like Harminder Singh Mintoo, Tara Singh, Kulbir Kaur, Ramandeep Singh etc. have been arrested and deported to India.<ref>{{cite news |last=Nanjappa |first=Vicky |date=31 August 2010 |title=Malaysia: Sikh militant groups' new base |url=https://www.rediff.com/news/report/malaysia-sikh-militant-groups-new-base/20100831.htm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200627014320/https://www.rediff.com/amp/news/report/malaysia-sikh-militant-groups-new-base/20100831.htm |archive-date=27 June 2020 |access-date=31 August 2010 |work=Rediff.com}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last=Swami |first=Praveen |date=19 May 2020 |title=Trial of 'RAW Agent' in German Court Casts Spotlight on India's Secret War Against Khalistan Terror |url=https://www.news18.com/news/india/trial-of-raw-agent-in-german-court-casts-spotlight-on-indias-secret-war-against-khalistan-terror-in-europe-2624861.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200523080722/https://www.news18.com/amp/news/india/trial-of-raw-agent-in-german-court-casts-spotlight-on-indias-secret-war-against-khalistan-terror-in-europe-2624861.html |archive-date=23 May 2020 |access-date=19 May 2020 |publisher=News18}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last=Sehgal |first=Manjeet |date=17 August 2019 |title=Malaysian woman accused of Khalistani terror funding arrested |url=https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/malaysian-woman-accused-of-khalistani-terror-funding-arrested-1581721-2019-08-17 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190818002643/https://www.indiatoday.in/amp/india/story/malaysian-woman-accused-of-khalistani-terror-funding-arrested-1581721-2019-08-17 |archive-date=18 August 2019 |access-date=17 August 2019 |publisher=India Today}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |date=6 November 2014 |title=Deported from Malaysia, Punjab terrorist arrested in Chennai |url=https://www.business-standard.com/article-amp/news-ians/deported-from-malaysia-punjab-terrorist-arrested-in-chennai-114110601173_1.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230408065657/https://www.business-standard.com/article-amp/news-ians/deported-from-malaysia-punjab-terrorist-arrested-in-chennai-114110601173_1.html |archive-date=8 April 2023 |access-date=6 November 2014 |publisher=Business Standard |agency=IANS}}</ref>

====Maldives==== {{See also|Operation Cactus}} In November 1988, the People's Liberation Organisation of Tamil Eelam (PLOTE), composed of about 200 Tamil secessionist rebels under Abdullah Luthufi, invaded Maldives. At the request of the president of Maldives, Maumoon Abdul Gayoom, the Indian Armed Forces, with assistance from R&AW, launched a military campaign to throw the mercenaries out of Maldives. On the night of 3 November 1988, the Indian Air Force airlifted the 6th parachute battalion of the Parachute Regiment from Agra and flew them over 2,000 km to Maldives. The Indian paratroopers landed at the airstrip of Hulhule island and restored the Government rule at Malé within a day. The operation, labelled Operation Cactus, also involved the Indian Navy. Swift operation by the military and precise intelligence by R&AW quelled the insurgency.<ref name="Federation of American Scientists"/><ref>{{cite web |last=Chordia |first=Squadron Leader A K |date=3 November 1988 |title=Operation Cactus |url=http://www.bharat-rakshak.com/IAF/History/1990s/Cactus.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20020330080238/http://www.bharat-rakshak.com/IAF/History/1990s/Cactus.html |archive-date=30 March 2002 |access-date=28 September 2009 |website=bharat-rakshak.com |publisher=Bharat Rakshak |df=dmy}}</ref>

In 2018–19, R&AW undertook many operations that crippled ISI and MSS intelligence network in Maldives.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://eurasiantimes.com/raw-stuns-isi-and-mss-spy-agencies-foils-china-pakistan-nexus-in-maldives/|title=RAW Stuns ISI and MSS; Foils China-Pakistan Nexus in Maldives|date=30 June 2019|access-date=30 June 2019|publisher=The Eurasian Times|archive-date=12 December 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191212035303/https://eurasiantimes.com/raw-stuns-isi-and-mss-spy-agencies-foils-china-pakistan-nexus-in-maldives/|url-status=live}}</ref>

In December 2024 ''The Washington Post'' reported that R&AW tried (but later dropped the plan altogether as relations started to improve between India and Maldives) to oust Maldivian government because Government of India perceived the Maldivian government to be pro-China.<ref>{{Cite news |last1=Shih |first1=Gerry |last2=Roy |first2=Siddharthya |date=30 December 2024 |title=A plot in paradise and India's struggle for influence in Asia |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/2024/12/30/maldives-president-muizzu-india-china-influence/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.today/20241230120422/https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/2024/12/30/maldives-president-muizzu-india-china-influence/ |archive-date=30 December 2024 |access-date=30 December 2024 |newspaper=The Washington Post}}</ref> After the publication of ''The Washington Post'' report the Maldivian Foreign Minister in an interview to WION said (regarding ''The Washington Post'' story) "very short answer for that. It is totally, something that is untrue, unfounded. There is no truth in that. So it is as simple as that."<ref>{{Cite web |last=Sibal |first=Sidhant |date=4 January 2025 |title=India's security is our security: Maldives Foreign Minister Abdulla Khaleel |url=https://www.wionews.com/india-news/maldives-foreign-minister-abdulla-khaleel-says-indias-security-is-our-security-8591399 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250501103736/https://www.wionews.com/india-news/maldives-foreign-minister-abdulla-khaleel-says-indias-security-is-our-security-8591399 |archive-date=2025-05-01 |access-date=2025-01-06 |website=Wion |language=en}}</ref>

====Mauritius==== {{See also|Operation Lal Dora}} In February 1983, Mauritian Prime Minister Anerood Jugnauth requested assistance from Indira Gandhi in the event of a coup by rival politician Paul Bérenger. In March 1983, Gandhi ordered the Indian Army and Navy to prepare for a military intervention against a possible coup against the Jugnauth government. But the military intervention was put off by Gandhi, after a squabble between the Indian Navy and Army, on who would lead the operation. Instead, she chose to task the Research and Analysis Wing's then chief, Nowsher F. Suntook, with supervising a largely intelligence-led operation to reunite the Indian community of Mauritius whose fracturing along ideological and communal lines had allowed Berenger to mount a political challenge.<ref>{{cite book |author=Brewster |first=David |url=https://www.academia.edu/7992843 |title=India's Ocean: The Story of India's Bid for Regional Leadership. |publisher=Taylor and Francis |others=Retrieved 13 August 2014 |year=2014 |isbn=978-1-315-81524-4 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160107070526/http://www.academia.edu/7992843/Extract_from_Indias_Ocean_-_Operation_Lal_Dora |archive-date=7 January 2016 |url-status=live |df=dmy-all}}</ref>

====Myanmar==== During the 1990s, R&AW cultivated Burmese rebel groups and pro-democracy coalitions, especially the Kachin Independence Army (KIA). India allowed the KIA to carry a limited trade in jade and precious stones using Indian territory and even supplied them weapons. It is further alleged that KIA chief Maran Brang Seng met the Secretary(R) in Delhi twice. However, when the KIA became the main source of training and weapons for militant groups in Northeast India, R&AW initiated an operation, code named ''Operation Leech'', to assassinate the leaders of the Burmese rebels as an example to other groups. In 1998, six top rebel leaders, including military wing chief of National Unity Party of Arakans (NUPA), Khaing Raza, were shot dead and 34 Arakanese guerrillas were arrested and charged with gunrunning.<ref name="Federation of American Scientists"/><ref>[http://www.india-seminar.com/2005/550/550%20subir%20bhaumik.htm Guns, drugs and rebels] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090923193152/http://www.india-seminar.com/2005/550/550%20subir%20bhaumik.htm |date=23 September 2009 }}. B.B. Nandi, former R&AW additional secretary, interview to author, 6 March 2002.</ref>

In 1995, in Mizoram along the India–Myanmar border, the 57th Mountain Division of the Indian Army carried out the Operation Golden Bird.<ref>{{cite web |date=23 March 2007 |title=India seen arming Burma to counter Chinese |url=http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2007/mar/23/20070323-103215-4113r/?page=all |url-access=subscription |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160308063221/http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2007/mar/23/20070323-103215-4113r/?page=all |archive-date=8 March 2016 |access-date=27 July 2020 |work=The Washington Times}}</ref> The operation was launched because R&AW had provided information that a huge consignment of arms had reached to Cox's Bazar (Bangladesh) and was to be sent to insurgents in Manipur. The arms, as per intelligence, were meant for groups in Nagaland and Isak-Muivah group in Manipur. Forces were deployed for counterinsurgency in the states of Manipur and Nagaland. Radio sets and other technological instruments were used to intercept insurgent messages. On 5 April 1995, Indian troops captured an insurgent named Hathi Bsrvah, trained by Pakistani ISI near Karachi. By 21 May 1995, the operation was finally called off.<ref>{{cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=h9KGAwAAQBAJ&q=Wyakaung+beach&pg=PA185|title=Troubled Periphery: The Crisis of India's North East By Subir Bhaumik|isbn=9788132104797|last1=Bhaumik|first1=Subir|date=10 December 2009|publisher=SAGE Publications India }}</ref>

In 2015, R&AW and Military Intelligence of Indian Army provided the intelligence support to 21 Para (SF), for their counter-insurgency operation in Myanmar.<ref>{{cite web |last=Datta |first=Saikat |date=12 June 2015 |title=Why the Modi government decided to deliberately leak information about the Myanmar strikes |url=https://www.scroll.in/article/733855/why-the-modi-government-decided-to-deliberately-leak-information-about-the-myanmar-strikes |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150613213913/http://scroll.in/article/733855/why-the-modi-government-decided-to-deliberately-leak-information-about-the-myanmar-strikes |archive-date=13 June 2015 |access-date=12 June 2015 |publisher=Scroll.in}}</ref>

==== Nepal ==== In 1998, Mirza Dilshad Beg, a Nepalese parliamentarian and an ISI informant was assassinated by R&AW.<ref name="Defence Lover">{{cite web |last=Gakhar |first=Raghav |date=15 November 2013 |title=How R&AW Attacked ISI in Nepal And Finished Terrorists |url=https://defencelover.in/nepal-and-india-raw/ |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170312060039/http://defencelover.in/nepal-and-india-raw/ |archive-date=12 March 2017 |access-date=13 November 2013 |publisher=Defence Lover}}</ref>

Raju Pargai & Amit Arya were shot dead in 2011, who were running Mirza Dilshad Beg's entire network in Uttarakhand.<ref>{{cite web |date=10 September 2011 |title=NSG commando, friend held for Bhawali double murder. Police in search of two of their accomplices |url=https://www.tribuneindia.com/2011/20110910/dun.htm#3 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230423083538/https://www.tribuneindia.com/2011/20110910/dun.htm#3 |archive-date=23 April 2023 |access-date=24 April 2023 |website=tribuneindia.com |publisher=The Tribune, Chandigarh, India – Dehradun Edition}}</ref> Despite the accusation and arrest of Lucky Bisht, there was not enough evidence to convict him in the murder case, leading to his eventual acquittal.<ref>{{cite news |title=दोहरे हत्याकांड में लकी कमांडो समेत पांचों आरोपी बरी |url=https://www.livehindustan.com/uttarakhand/haldwani/story-five-accused-including-lucky-commando-in-double-murder-casea-acquitted-1837453.html |work=livehindustan.com |date=7 March 2018 |language=hindi |access-date=21 July 2023 |archive-date=20 September 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230920041753/https://www.livehindustan.com/uttarakhand/haldwani/story-five-accused-including-lucky-commando-in-double-murder-casea-acquitted-1837453.html |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last=Khatoon |first=Farah |date=17 June 2023 |title=R.A.W Hitman: The real story of Agent Lima brings the interesting story of Lucky Bisht |url=https://www.telegraphindia.com/my-kolkata/people/r-a-w-hitman-the-real-story-of-agent-lima-brings-the-interesting-story-of-lucky-bisht/cid/1945689 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230719164926/https://www.telegraphindia.com/my-kolkata/people/r-a-w-hitman-the-real-story-of-agent-lima-brings-the-interesting-story-of-lucky-bisht/cid/1945689 |archive-date=19 July 2023 |access-date=21 July 2023 |work=The Telegraph}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.india.com/hindi-news/news/delhi/nsg-commando-ex-raw-agent-lucky-bishts-biography-raw-hitman-published-s-hussain-zaidi-is-the-author-6112950/|title=एक्स रॉ एजेंट लकी बिष्ट की ज़िन्दगी से रूबरू होगी दुनिया, एस. हुसैन जैदी ने लिखी 'रॉ हिटमैन' बायोग्राफी|website=www.india.com|access-date=21 July 2023|archive-date=19 July 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230719165113/https://www.india.com/hindi-news/news/delhi/nsg-commando-ex-raw-agent-lucky-bishts-biography-raw-hitman-published-s-hussain-zaidi-is-the-author-6112950/|url-status=live}}</ref>

During 1997–2013, R&AW along with IB carried out multiple operations, in which many militant leaders like Yasin Bhatkal of Indian Mujahideen; Bhupinder Singh Bhuda of Khalistan Commando Force; Tariq Mehmood, Asif Ali, Syed Abdul Karim Tunda, Abu Qasim  of Lashkar-e-Taiba; Fayaz Ahmed Mir of Jaish-e-Mohammed were secretly brought to India.<ref name="Defence Lover"/><ref name="Hindustan Times">{{cite web |last=Ahuja |first=Rajesh |date=18 August 2013 |title=Intelligence op that spanned 3 nations, 20 yrs led to Tunda's arrest |url=http://www.hindustantimes.com/India-news/NewDelhi/Intelligence-op-that-spanned-3-nations-20-yrs-led-to-Tunda-s-arrest/Article1-1109280.aspx |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130818142147/http://www.hindustantimes.com/India-news/NewDelhi/Intelligence-op-that-spanned-3-nations-20-yrs-led-to-Tunda-s-arrest/Article1-1109280.aspx |archive-date=18 August 2013 |access-date=18 August 2013 |work=Hindustan Times |df=dmy}}</ref><ref name="Terror vet falls into net">{{cite news |last=Siddiqui |first=Imran Ahmed |date=17 August 2013 |title=Terror vet falls into net |url=http://www.telegraphindia.com/1130818/jsp/frontpage/story_17243306.jsp |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130821125707/http://www.telegraphindia.com/1130818/jsp/frontpage/story_17243306.jsp |archive-date=21 August 2013 |access-date=18 August 2013 |work=The Telegraph |df=dmy-all}}</ref>

In 2014, R&AW along with DGFI tracked down Indian Mujahideen's top commander, Zia Ur Rehman in Nepal. The operation was executed by DGFI after formal request from India's R&AW and Nepal's law enforcement agencies.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Datta |first1=Saikat |last2=Anand |first2=Jatin |date=2 April 2014 |title=Bangladesh, Nepal helped India nab IM top guns |url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/india/bangladesh-nepal-helped-india-nab-im-top-guns/story-ScJxf7cONPSefqxK8VxoJL.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200719080502/https://www.hindustantimes.com/india/bangladesh-nepal-helped-india-nab-im-top-guns/story-ScJxf7cONPSefqxK8VxoJL.html |archive-date=19 July 2020 |access-date=19 July 2020 |website=Hindustan Times |language=en}}</ref>

In 2017, it was reported that R&AW had kidnapped a mid-level ISI officer Lt. Col. Mohammed H Zahir from Lumbini. There were reports that Zahir was among the ISI team that had taken part in kidnapping and smuggling of former Indian Navy officer Kulbhushan Jadhav from Chabahar, Iran to Meshkal Pakistan.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Shah |first=Syed Ali |date=24 March 2016 |title='RAW officer' arrested in Balochistan |url=http://www.dawn.com/news/1247665 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160326070900/http://www.dawn.com/news/1247665 |archive-date=26 March 2016 |access-date=2022-04-05 |website=dawn.com |publisher=DAWN |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last=Gupta |first=Manoj |date=12 April 2017 |editor-last=Khan |editor-first=Nakshab |title=Vanished' Pakistan Officer Was on a 'Sensitive' ISI Mission to Nepal |url=https://www.news18.com/news/india/vanished-pakistan-officer-was-on-a-sensitive-isi-mission-to-nepal-1372013.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170415161137/http://www.news18.com/amp/news/india/vanished-pakistan-officer-was-on-a-sensitive-isi-mission-to-nepal-1372013.html |archive-date=15 April 2017 |access-date=12 April 2017 |publisher=CNN-News18}}</ref>

In September 2022, Mohammad Lal, who was a huge supplier of counterfeit Indian currency was shot dead by two unidentified armed men in Kathmandu. The assailants immediately fled the scene after shooting Lal. R&AW had been looking for Lal for a long time for his alleged connections with ISI and D-Company.<ref>{{Cite web |last= |first= |date=22 September 2022 |editor-last=Shaurya |editor-first=Surabhi |title=Breaking: ISI Agent Laal Mohammad— Biggest Supplier of Fake notes in India Shot Dead in Nepal |url=https://www.india.com/news/world/breaking-isi-agent-laal-mohammad-biggest-supplier-of-fake-notes-in-india-shot-dead-in-nepal-5645822/ |access-date=2023-12-19 |website=india.com |language=en |archive-date=21 June 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230621161054/https://www.india.com/news/world/breaking-isi-agent-laal-mohammad-biggest-supplier-of-fake-notes-in-india-shot-dead-in-nepal-5645822/ |url-status=live }}</ref>

====Pakistan==== During the late 1980s, R&AW had infiltrated the highest levels of Pakistani military and political leadership. It even had a mole inside General Yahya Khan's Office. This mole had also alerted the Indian armed forces, a week before about impending Pakistani air attack. This alert was correct as Pakistan attacked India on December 3, thus starting the Indo-Pakistani War of 1971.<ref>{{cite web |last=Chakrabarti |first=Sumon K |date=6 August 2007 |title=Mole and careless Pak army ensured early victory in 1971' |url=https://m.bdnews24.com/amp/en/detail/bangladesh/147067 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200623015341/https://m.bdnews24.com/amp/en/detail/bangladesh/147067 |archive-date=23 June 2020 |access-date=6 August 2007 |website=Bdnews24.com |publisher=}}</ref>

R&AW's most successful spy was Ravindra Kaushik, who spied in Pakistan in the 1970s. He was from Rajasthan's Sri Ganganagar. Kaushik was a student and an aspiring actor. He was acting in a patriotic play in a theatre in Lucknow when an R&AW recruiter spotted him. He joined R&AW in 1975 at the age of 23. They trained him, created a disguise identity and sent him to Pakistan. He did an LLB at Karachi university and joined the Pakistani army, eventually he was promoted to the rank of major. Between 1979–83 he passed valuable information to R&AW. Due to his feats the then Indian prime minister Indira Gandhi gave him title of "The Black Tiger".<ref>{{Cite web |date=18 April 2017 |title=Story of R&AW agent, Ravinder Kaushik, who worked as a Pakistan Army Major |url=https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/defence/story-of-raw-agent-ravinder-kaushik-who-worked-as-a-pakistan-army-major/new-identity-in-pak/slideshow/58240717.cms |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230125093651/https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/defence/story-of-raw-agent-ravinder-kaushik-who-worked-as-a-pakistan-army-major/new-identity-in-pak/slideshow/58240717.cms |archive-date=25 January 2023 |access-date=2023-01-25 |website=The Economic Times}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Paul |first=Aditya |date=10 August 2022 |title=... Remembering Ravindra Kaushik's... |url=https://www.timesnownews.com/mirror-now/in-focus/indias-soldiers-in-shadows-remembering-ravindra-kaushiks-supreme-sacrifice-for-nation-all-you-need-to-know-about-black-tiger-article-93461316/amp |access-date=25 January 2023 |website=Times Now |archive-date=25 January 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230125095323/https://www.timesnownews.com/mirror-now/in-focus/indias-soldiers-in-shadows-remembering-ravindra-kaushiks-supreme-sacrifice-for-nation-all-you-need-to-know-about-black-tiger-article-93461316/amp |url-status=live }}</ref>

Kahuta is the site of the Khan Research Laboratories, Pakistan's main nuclear weapons laboratory as well as an emerging centre for long-range missile development. The primary Pakistani missile-material production facility is located at Kahuta, employing gas centrifuge enrichment technology to produce Highly Enriched Uranium (HEU). R&AW first confirmed Pakistan's nuclear programs by analysing the hair samples snatched from the floor of barber shops near KRL; which showed that Pakistan had developed the ability to enrich uranium to weapons-grade quality. R&AW operatives knew about Kahuta Research Laboratories from at least early 1978,<ref>{{cite book |author=Hutchinson |first=Robert |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=tluk-CiKERwC&pg=PT136 |title=Weapons of Mass Destruction |publisher=Orion |year=2003 |isbn=978-1-78022-377-3 |page=136 |quote=In a stunning intelligence coup, India apparently first learned of Pakistan's programmes by analysing the hair samples snatched from the floors of barber shops near the Pakistani nuclear research facility at Kahuta. India's external intelligence agency, the Research and Analysis Wing, sent the samples to New Delhi's Bhabha Atomic Research Centre, which discovered clear indications from analysis of the hair, that Pakistan had developed the ability to enrich uranium to weapons-grade quality.}}</ref> when the then Indian Prime Minister, Morarji Desai, accidentally exposed R&AW's operations on Pakistan's covert nuclear weapons program. In an indiscreet moment in a telephone conversation one day, Morarji Desai informed the then Pakistan President, Zia-ul-Haq, that India was aware of Pakistan's nuclear weapons program. According to later reports, acting on this "tip-off", Pakistan's ISI and army eliminated most of R&AW's assets in and around Kahuta.<ref name="Federation of American Scientists"/><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.rediff.com/news/2003/sep/08spec.htm |title=RAW & MOSSAD: The Secret Link |work=Rediff.com |date=8 September 2003 |access-date=28 September 2009 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090912075501/http://www.rediff.com/news/2003/sep/08spec.htm |archive-date=12 September 2009 |df=dmy-all }}</ref><ref>According to 18–24 September 1988 issue of the weekly Indian Magazine Sunday</ref>

R&AW received information from one of its informants in a London-based company, which had supplied Arctic-weather gear to Indian troops in Ladakh, that some Pakistan paramilitary forces had bought similar Arctic-weather gear.<ref name="time">{{cite news |last1=McGirk |first1=Tim |last2=Adiga |first2=Aravind |date=4 May 2005 |title=War at the Top of the World |url=http://www.time.com/time/asia/covers/501050711/story2.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100414200007/http://www.time.com/time/asia/covers/501050711/story2.html |archive-date=14 April 2010 |magazine=Time |df=dmy}}</ref> This information was shared with the Indian Army which launched Operation Meghdoot to take control of the Siachen Glacier with around 300<ref name="time"/> acclimatised troops airlifted to Siachen before Pakistan could launch any operation, resulting in an Indian head start and the eventual Indian domination of all major peaks in Siachen.<ref name="time"/>

In the mid-1980s, R&AW set up two special units, ''Counterintelligence Team-X(CIT-X)'' and ''Counterintelligence Team-J(CIT-J)'', the first directed at Pakistan<ref>{{cite web |last=Siddiqa |first=Ayesha |date=July 2007 |title=The 'Jihad' Against India |url=http://www.newsline.com.pk/NewsJul2007/bookmarkjuly.htm |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071202125431/http://www.newsline.com.pk/NewsJul2007/bookmarkjuly.htm |archive-date=2 December 2007 |access-date=28 September 2009 |publisher=Newsline.com.pk}}</ref> and the second at Khalistani groups.<ref>{{cite web |author=Swami |first=Praveen |author-link=Praveen Swami |date=28 April 2013 |title=Sarabjit Singh, and the spies India left out in the cold |url=http://www.firstpost.com/india/sarabjit-singh-and-the-spies-india-left-out-in-the-cold-734703.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130531231211/http://www.firstpost.com/india/sarabjit-singh-and-the-spies-we-left-out-in-the-cold-734703.html |archive-date=31 May 2013 |access-date=28 April 2013 |work=Firstpost |df=dmy-all}}</ref> Rabinder Singh, the R&AW officer who later defected to the United States in 2004, helped run CIT-J in its early years. Both these covert units used the services of cross-border traffickers to ferry weapons and funds across the border, much as their ISI counterparts were doing. According to former R&AW official and noted security analyst B. Raman, the Indian counter-campaign yielded results. "The role of our cover action capability in putting an end to the ISI's interference and support of khalistani militants in Punjab, thus completely stopping years of violence and insurgency", he wrote in 2002, "by making such interference prohibitively costly is little known and understood." These covert groups were disbanded during the tenure of IK Gujral and were never restarted.<ref name=":3">{{cite web |last=Swami |first=Praveen |date=10-23 September 2005 |title=Covert contestation |url=http://www.hinduonnet.com/fline/fl2219/stories/20050923004503000.htm |url-status=usurped |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100110212607/http://www.hinduonnet.com/fline/fl2219/stories/20050923004503000.htm |archive-date=10 January 2010 |access-date=28 September 2009 |website=Hinduonnet.com |publisher=Frontline |df=dmy-all}}</ref> As per B Raman a former R&AW Additional Secretary, these covert groups were successful in keeping a check on ISI and were "responsible for ending the Khalistani insurgency".<ref name=":3" /><ref>{{cite web |last=Raman |first=B. |date=19 February 2010 |title=Under Cover of Deniability |url=http://www.outlookindia.com/article.aspx?264366 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130502201825/http://www.outlookindia.com/article.aspx?264366 |archive-date=2 May 2013 |access-date=25 March 2016 |work=Outlook |df=dmy-all}}</ref>

During the mid-1990s, R&AW undertook an operation to infiltrate various ISI-backed militant groups in Jammu and Kashmir. R&AW operatives infiltrated the area, collected military intelligence, and provided evidence about ISI's involvement in training and funding separatist groups. R&AW was successful not only in unearthing the links, but also in infiltrating and neutralising the terrorism in the Kashmir valley.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.theguardian.com/kashmir/Story/0,2763,722049,00.html|title=Dangerous game of state-sponsored terror that threatens nuclear conflict|access-date=5 May 2006|first=Rory|last=McCarthy|work=The Guardian|location=London|date=25 May 2002|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140814175215/https://www.theguardian.com/kashmir/Story/0,2763,722049,00.html|archive-date=14 August 2014|df=dmy-all}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Directorate for Inter-Services Intelligence [ISI]. Intelligence Resource Program |url=https://fas.org/irp/world/pakistan/isi/ |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140611053322/https://fas.org/irp/world/pakistan/isi/ |archive-date=11 June 2014 |website=fas.org |publisher=Federation of American Scientists |df=dmy}}</ref> It is also credited for creating a split in the Hizb-ul-Mujahideen.<ref>{{cite web |last=Watt |first=Romeet |date=July 2002 |title=R A W: Kashmir & Beyond |url=http://www.kashmirtelegraph.com/raw.htm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081202033300/http://www.kashmirtelegraph.com/raw.htm |archive-date=2 December 2008 |access-date=28 September 2009 |work=The Kashmir Telegraph |df=dmy-all}}</ref> Operation Chanakya also marked the creation of pro-Indian groups in Kashmir like the Ikhwan-ul-Muslimeen, Muslim Mujahideen etc. These counter-insurgencies consist of ex-militants and relatives of those slain in the conflict. Ikhwan-ul-Muslimeen leader Kokka Parrey was himself assassinated by separatists.<ref name="FAsummary"/>

During the Kargil War, R&AW was also successful in intercepting a telephonic conversation between Pervez Musharraf, the then Pakistan Army Chief who was in Beijing and his chief of staff Lt. Gen. Mohammed Aziz in Islamabad.<ref name="india-seminar.com">{{cite web |author=Bhaumik |first=Subir |title=Guns, drugs and rebels |url=http://www.india-seminar.com/2005/550/550%20subir%20bhaumik.htm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090923193152/http://www.india-seminar.com/2005/550/550%20subir%20bhaumik.htm |archive-date=23 September 2009 |access-date=28 September 2009 |publisher=India-seminar.com |df=dmy-all}}</ref> This tape was later published by India to prove Pakistani involvement in the Kargil incursion.<ref name="india-seminar.com"/><ref>{{cite web |last=Kutty |first=C K |date=2 February 2005 |title=A RAW hand |url=http://us.rediff.com/news/2005/feb/02spec3.htm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100315153842/http://us.rediff.com/news/2005/feb/02spec3.htm |archive-date=15 March 2010 |access-date=28 September 2009 |work=Rediff.com |df=dmy-all}}</ref>

In 2004, it had come to light that a timely tip-off by R&AW helped foil a third assassination plot against Pakistan's former president, General Pervez Musharraf.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.dnaindia.com/analysis/column-raw-intelligence-saved-prez-musharraf-s-life-in-2004-2101535|title=R&AW intelligence saved Prez Musharraf's life in 2004|date=4 July 2015|publisher=DNA|access-date=10 October 2023|archive-date=4 October 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231004142601/https://www.dnaindia.com/analysis/column-raw-intelligence-saved-prez-musharraf-s-life-in-2004-2101535|url-status=live}}</ref>

About 2–6 months before 26/11 Mumbai attacks, R&AW had intercepted several telephone calls through SIGINT which pointed at impending attacks on Mumbai Hotels by Pakistan-based terrorists,<ref>Sundarji, Padma Rao (3 December 2008). [http://www.mcclatchydc.com/homepage/story/57012.html India's lack of preparedness raised Mumbai death toll]. ''McClatchy''. {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090414152741/http://www.mcclatchydc.com/homepage/story/57012.html|date=14 April 2009}}</ref> however there was a coordination failure and no follow up action was taken.<ref>Angel Rabasa, Robert D. Blackwill, Peter Chalk, Kim Cragin, C. Christine Fair, Brian A. Jackson, Brian Michael Jenkins, Seth G. Jones, Nathaniel Shestak, Ashley J. Tellis (2009). [https://www.rand.org/pubs/occasional_papers/2009/RAND_OP249.pdf The Lessons of Mumbai]. Rand Corporation. p19. {{ISBN|978-0-8330-4667-3}}. {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121004044642/http://www.rand.org/pubs/occasional_papers/2009/RAND_OP249.pdf|date=4 October 2012}}</ref> Few hours before the attacks, a R&AW technician monitoring satellite transmissions picked up conversations between attackers and handlers, as the attackers were sailing toward Mumbai. The technician flagged the conversations as being suspicious and passed them on to his superiors. R&AW believed that they were worrying and immediately alerted the office of the National Security Advisor. However the intelligence was ignored.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Sanghvi |first=Vir |author-link=Vir Sanghvi |date=24 April 2010 |title=The issue is not about the principle of tapping telephones but the motive behind it |url=http://www.virsanghvi.com/CounterPoint-ArticleDetail.aspx?ID=474 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100427083702/http://www.virsanghvi.com/CounterPoint-ArticleDetail.aspx?ID=474 |archive-date=27 April 2010 |website=virsanghvi.com}}</ref> Later, just after the terrorists had attacked Mumbai, the technicians started monitoring the six phones used by the terrorists and recorded conversations between the terrorists and their handlers.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Sanghvi |first=Vir |author-link=Vir Sanghvi |date=24 April 2010 |title=Why politicians won't get off the line |url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/archive-news/ |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100426101803/http://www.hindustantimes.com/Why-politicians-won-t-get-off-the-line/H1-Article1-535365.aspx |archive-date=26 April 2010 |website=Hindustan Times}}</ref>

In March 2016, Kulbhushan Jadhav, an Indian naval officer who working as a R&AW agent, was arrested in Balochistan and charged with espionage and sabotage. He was accused of operating a covert terror network within Balochistan. In 2017, he was sentenced to death by a Field General Court Martial in Pakistan.<ref>{{cite news |date=17 July 2019 |title=Timeline: How the Kulbhushan Jadhav saga unfolded |url=https://www.dawn.com/news/1493236 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190717082914/https://www.dawn.com/news/1493236 |archive-date=17 July 2019 |work=DAWN |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |date=10 April 2017 |title=Who is Kulbhushan Jadhav? |url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/who-is-kulbhushan-jadhav-the-hindu-explains/article61594966.ece |url-access=subscription |work=The Hindu |language=en-IN |quote=Kulbhushan Jadhav was allegedly arrested in the Chaman area of Balochistan on the Pakistan-Afghanistan border on March 3, 2016. Pakistan said he was a serving Indian naval officer and accused him of working for India's Research and Analysis Wing (R&AW). |archive-date=27 October 2023 |access-date=27 October 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231027065156/https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/who-is-kulbhushan-jadhav-the-hindu-explains/article61594966.ece |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name="Spy">{{cite news |last1=Masood |first1=Salman |last2=Kumar |first2=Hari |date=10 April 2017 |title=Pakistan Sentences Indian Spy to Death for Operating Terrorism Ring |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2017/04/10/world/asia/pakistan-india-death-sentence-spy-kulbhushan-yadav.html |url-access=registration |work=The New York Times |archive-date=9 April 2023 |access-date=27 October 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230409020139/https://www.nytimes.com/2017/04/10/world/asia/pakistan-india-death-sentence-spy-kulbhushan-yadav.html |url-status=live }}</ref> While held by Pakistani authorities, Jadhav had confessed in a video recording that he was tasked by R&AW, “to plan and organise espionage and sabotage activities” in Balochistan and Karachi.<ref>{{cite news |date=30 March 2016 |title=Transcript of R&AW agent Kulbhushan's confessional statement |url=https://www.dawn.com/news/1248786 |work=DAWN.com |language=en |archive-date=31 December 2017 |access-date=27 October 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171231024932/https://www.dawn.com/news/1248786 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name="Spy"/>

During the 2016 Line of Control strike, R&AW played an important role by providing real time and accurate intelligence to operational advisors and planners. It had deployed its human assets closest to the 8 demarcated launch-pads in Pakistan administered Kashmir. It also started Physical Surveillance of Chief of Pakistan army, 10 Corps commander and force commander of Northern Areas.<ref>{{cite news |last=Kanwal |first=Rahul |author-link=Rahul Kanwal |date=7 October 2016 |title=[Exclusive] Inside story of India's daring surgical strikes against Pakistan |url=https://www.dailyo.in/lite/politics/surgical-strikes-narendra-modi-indian-army-india-pak-nawaz-sharif-line-of-control-pok-kashmir-baramulla/story/1/13303.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161014232326/http://www.dailyo.in/lite/politics/surgical-strikes-narendra-modi-indian-army-india-pak-nawaz-sharif-line-of-control-pok-kashmir-baramulla/story/1/13303.html |archive-date=14 October 2016 |access-date=9 October 2016 |publisher=DailyO}}</ref>

During 2019 Balakot airstrike, R&AW played an important role by identifying and providing intelligence on Markaz Syed Ahmad Shaheed training camp, to operational planners. It had HUMINT that a large number of terrorists had congregated in the camp.<ref>{{cite web |last=Masih |first=Archana |date=23 October 2019 |title=Moles inside terror camps sent info for Balakot strike |url=https://www.rediff.com/news/interview/moles-at-terror-camps-sent-info-for-balakot-strike/20191023.htm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210415024145/https://www.rediff.com/amp/news/interview/moles-at-terror-camps-sent-info-for-balakot-strike/20191023.htm |archive-date=15 April 2021 |access-date=23 October 2019 |work=Rediff.com}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last=Chengappa |first=Raj |date=15 March 2019 |title=Balakot: How India planned IAF airstrike in Pakistan |url=https://www.indiatoday.in/magazine/cover-story/story/20190325-balakot-airstrikes-pulwama-terror-attack-abhinandan-varthaman-narendra-modi-masood-azhar-1478511-2019-03-15 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190326002024/https://www.indiatoday.in/amp/magazine/cover-story/story/20190325-balakot-airstrikes-pulwama-terror-attack-abhinandan-varthaman-narendra-modi-masood-azhar-1478511-2019-03-15 |archive-date=26 March 2019 |access-date=25 March 2019 |publisher=India Today}}</ref>

On 1 March 2022, one of the hijackers of Flight IC 814 flight, Zahoor Mistry, was killed by two bike-borne assailants in Karachi. It was Mistry who had killed one of the passengers, 25-year-old Rupin Katyal, on the flight. It is widely believed he was assassinated by R&AW.<ref>{{cite web |date=9 March 2022 |title=IC 814 hijacker Zahoor Mistry killed in Pakistan, Masood Azhar's brother attends funeral: Reports |url=https://www.indianexpress.com/article/india/ic-814-hijacker-zahoor-mistry-killed-in-pakistan-7809422/lite/ |url-access=subscription |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220309073322/https://indianexpress.com/article/india/ic-814-hijacker-zahoor-mistry-killed-in-pakistan-7809422/lite/ |archive-date=9 March 2022 |access-date=9 March 2022 |publisher=The Indian Express}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last1=Ellis-Petersen |first1=Hannah |last2=Hassan |first2=Aakash |last3=Baloch |first3=Shah Meer |date=2024-04-04 |title=Indian government ordered killings in Pakistan, intelligence officials claim |url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2024/apr/04/indian-government-assassination-allegations-pakistan-intelligence-officials |access-date=2024-04-04 |work=The Guardian |language=en-GB |issn=0261-3077 |archive-date=2 September 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240902191622/https://www.theguardian.com/world/2024/apr/04/indian-government-assassination-allegations-pakistan-intelligence-officials |url-status=live }}</ref>

On 20 February 2023, Hizbul Commander Bashir Ahmad Peer alias Imtiyaz Alam who was India's most wanted designated terrorist under Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act was shot dead outside a store by unknown assailants in Rawalpindi. It is widely believed that R&AW was behind this.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Masoodi |first=Nazir |date=21 February 2023 |title=Wanted In India, Top Hizbul Commander Killed In Pakistan |url=https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/wanted-in-india-top-hizbul-commander-killed-in-pakistan-3802474 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230621121512/https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/wanted-in-india-top-hizbul-commander-killed-in-pakistan-3802474 |archive-date=21 June 2023 |access-date=2023-06-21 |website=NDTV.com}}</ref>

On May 6, 2023, Paramjit Singh Panjwar, the Chief of Khalistan Commando Force was gunned down by two unidentified bike-borne gunmen in Johar Town of Lahore while he was out for a morning walk near his residence. Most likely it is believed he was assassinated by R&AW operative.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Sharma |first=Mukul |date=5 May 2023 |title=Khalistan Commando Force chief Paramjit Singh Panjwar, wanted by India, gunned down in Pakistan |url=https://www.wionews.com/india-news/paramjit-singh-panjwar-terrorist-wanted-by-india-gunned-down-in-pakistan-report-589648 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230621123957/https://www.wionews.com/india-news/paramjit-singh-panjwar-terrorist-wanted-by-india-gunned-down-in-pakistan-report-589648 |archive-date=21 June 2023 |access-date=2023-06-21 |website=WION |language=en-us}}</ref>

On April 4, 2024, ''The Guardian'' reported that the Indian government had allegedly ordered the killings of individuals in Pakistan. Up to 20 assassinations had taken place since 2020, targeting individuals who were either linked to known terrorist organizations or were former members of these organizations.<ref>{{Cite news |last1=Ellis-Petersen |first1=Hannah |last2=Hassan |first2=Aakash |last3=Baloch |first3=Shah Meer |date=2024-04-04 |title=Indian government ordered killings in Pakistan, intelligence officials claim |url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2024/apr/04/indian-government-assassination-allegations-pakistan-intelligence-officials |access-date=2024-05-06 |work=The Guardian |language=en-GB |issn=0261-3077 |archive-date=2 September 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240902191622/https://www.theguardian.com/world/2024/apr/04/indian-government-assassination-allegations-pakistan-intelligence-officials |url-status=live }}</ref>

On March 16, 2025, Multiple news outlets reported that a top LeT commander named Abu Qatal Sindhi was killed by ‘unknown gunmen’ in the Jhelum area of Pakistan. Sindhi was a key LeT operative responsible for coordinating several major attacks in the Rajouri-Poonch region along Line of Control.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Philip |first=Snehesh Alex |date=2025-03-16 |title='Unknown gunmen' strike Hafiz Saeed's close aide Sindhi in Pakistan; was behind Poonch-Rajouri attacks |url=https://theprint.in/defence/unknown-gunmen-strike-hafiz-saeeds-close-aide-sindhi-in-pakistan-was-behind-poonch-rajouri-attacks/2549720/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250410102820/https://theprint.in/defence/unknown-gunmen-strike-hafiz-saeeds-close-aide-sindhi-in-pakistan-was-behind-poonch-rajouri-attacks/2549720/ |archive-date=2025-04-10 |access-date=2025-03-16 |website=ThePrint |language=en-US}}</ref>

In 2025 India–Pakistan conflict, R&AW supplied intelligence about terrorist hideouts in Pakistan to Indian Armed Forces for Operation Sindoor.<ref>{{Cite web |last1=Negi |first1=Manjeet |last2=Das |first2=Harshita |date=2025-05-08 |title=Exclusive: Heroes behind the success of Operation Sindoor |url=https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/operation-sinfoor-heroes-pm-modi-vikram-misri-army-chief-chief-of-defense-staff-raw-navy-air-force-2721753-2025-05-08 |access-date=2025-08-19 |website=India Today |language=en |archive-date=20 July 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250720150352/https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/operation-sinfoor-heroes-pm-modi-vikram-misri-army-chief-chief-of-defense-staff-raw-navy-air-force-2721753-2025-05-08 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last=Trivedi |first=Saurabh |date=2025-06-28 |title=Brain behind Operation Sindoor, IPS Parag Jain is new RAW Chief |url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/brain-behind-operation-sindoor-ips-parag-jain-is-new-raw-chief/article69748757.ece |access-date=2025-08-19 |work=The Hindu |language=en-IN |issn=0971-751X}}</ref>

==== Philippines ==== In March 2023, with the help of Indian intelligence inputs, officers from the Philippine Bureau of Immigration, the Cybercrime Investigation and Coordinating Center and the National Intelligence Coordinating Agency arrested three suspected members of the Khalistan Tiger Force (KTF) in the central Philippine city of Iloilo.<ref>{{Cite web |last1=Aben |first1=Ellie |last2=Kumar |first2=Sanjay |date=2023-03-27 |title=Philippines arrests suspected Sikh separatists in first Khalistan detection |url=https://arab.news/bumtv |access-date=2023-06-30 |website=Arab News |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2023-03-29 |title=3 suspected members of Khalistan Tiger Force arrested in the Philippines |url=https://indianexpress.com/article/india/3-suspected-members-khalistan-tiger-force-arrested-philippines-8525167/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230701033125/https://indianexpress.com/article/india/3-suspected-members-khalistan-tiger-force-arrested-philippines-8525167/ |archive-date=1 July 2023 |access-date=2023-06-30 |website=The Indian Express |language=en |agency=PTI}}</ref> The suspects were deported back to India in May 2023.<ref>{{cite web |date=19 May 2023 |title=PH deports suspected Indian terrorists |url=http://www.cnnphilippines.com/news/2023/5/19/ph-deports-suspected-indian-terrorist.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231003233052/https://www.cnnphilippines.com/news/2023/5/19/ph-deports-suspected-indian-terrorist.html |archive-date=3 October 2023 |access-date=20 September 2023 |website=CNN Philippines}}</ref>

====Saudi Arabia==== Since the 1990s, given its position as the largest source of funds and promoter of Salafist ideology and being considered major security challenge for India. R&AW has greatly expanded its activities and operation in Saudi Arabia. Abdul Karim Tunda was captured in Saudi Arabia and was secretly brought to India.<ref name="Hindustan Times"/>

Since 2012, R&AW has carried out numerous operations in Saudi Arabia. It is only because of such operations that dozens of high-ranking terrorists like Zabiuddin Ansari, Habibur Rahman, Sabeel Ahmed, Muhammed Gulnawaz etc. have been deported and arrested in India.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Ahuja |first1=Rajesh |last2=Jacob |first2=Jayanth |date=24 August 2018 |title=Of 24 terror suspects turned in by Gulf countries to India since 2012, 18 are from UAE and Saudi |url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/of-24-terror-suspects-turned-in-by-gulf-countries-to-india-since-2012-18-are-from-uae-and-saudi/story-225ND6iIOaWrD9mYZYRFLL.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231004165801/https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/of-24-terror-suspects-turned-in-by-gulf-countries-to-india-since-2012-18-are-from-uae-and-saudi/story-225ND6iIOaWrD9mYZYRFLL_amp.html |archive-date=4 October 2023 |access-date=10 October 2023 |publisher=Hindustan Times}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |date=22 September 2020 |title=Terror case accused deported from Saudi, held from airport |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/thiruvananthapuram/terror-case-accused-deported-from-saudi-held-from-airport/articleshow/78241881.cms |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200926124020/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/thiruvananthapuram/terror-case-accused-deported-from-saudi-held-from-airport/articleshow/78241881.cms |archive-date=26 September 2020 |access-date=10 October 2023 |work=The Times of India}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last=Johnson T A |date=30 August 2020 |title=Deported from Saudi, LeT 'terror recruiter' held by NIA |url=https://www.indianexpress.com/article/india/deported-from-saudi-let-terror-recruiter-held-by-nia-6575605/lite/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231004150725/https://indianexpress.com/article/india/deported-from-saudi-let-terror-recruiter-held-by-nia-6575605/lite/ |archive-date=4 October 2023 |access-date=10 October 2023 |publisher=The Indian Express}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |date=2 August 2016 |title=Abu Jundal, 6 others sentenced to life imprisonment in 2006 Aurangabad arms haul case |url=https://www.indianexpress.com/article/india/india-news-india/abu-jundal-aurangabad-arms-haul-case-life-imprisonment-2949408/lite/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231004152229/https://indianexpress.com/article/india/india-news-india/abu-jundal-aurangabad-arms-haul-case-life-imprisonment-2949408/lite/ |archive-date=4 October 2023 |access-date=10 October 2023 |publisher=The Indian Express}}</ref>

In April 2023 the Saudi cabinet gave approval for joint cooperation with Indian intelligence agencies. It also approved Riyadh's status as a dialogue partner for SCO as India prepares to host the SCO summit in July. India-Saudi defence and security partnership has been steadily growing. There were a number of high-level bilateral visits and meetings, beginning with the first-ever official visit to India by Lt Gen Fahd bin Abdullah Mohammed Al-Mutair, commander of Royal Saudi Land Forces.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Mishra |first=Abhinandan |date=2023-04-01 |title=Saudi, Indian intelligence come together to combat terrorism |url=https://sundayguardianlive.com/news/saudi-indian-intelligence-come-together-to-combat-terrorism |access-date=2023-06-30 |website=The Sunday Guardian Live |language=en-US |archive-date=30 June 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230630210705/https://sundayguardianlive.com/news/saudi-indian-intelligence-come-together-to-combat-terrorism |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last=Chaudhury |first=Dipanjan Roy |date=2023-04-01 |title=Saudi cabinet okays cooperation with Indian intelligence agencies |work=The Economic Times |url=https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/india/saudi-cabinet-okays-cooperation-with-indian-intelligence-agencies/articleshow/99155102.cms?from=mdr |access-date=2023-06-30 |issn=0013-0389 |archive-date=30 June 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230630210703/https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/india/saudi-cabinet-okays-cooperation-with-indian-intelligence-agencies/articleshow/99155102.cms?from=mdr |url-status=live }}</ref>

====Sri Lanka====

In the early 1980s, R&AW allegedly started funding and training Tamil militants to keep a check on Sri Lanka,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.niticentral.com/2013/08/25/madras-cafe-brings-back-memories-123664.html |title=Madras Cafe brings back memories | Niti Central |access-date=2013-08-25 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130827022835/http://www.niticentral.com/2013/08/25/madras-cafe-brings-back-memories-123664.html |archive-date=27 August 2013 }} Madras Cafe brings back memories by Tavleen Singh</ref>{{better source needed|date=July 2020}} which had helped Pakistan in the Indo-Pak War by allowing Pakistani ships to refuel at Sri Lankan ports. R&AW split the Tamil militants into more than 20 groups, among which Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) was one.{{cn|date=March 2026}} However, when LTTE disobeyed the directions offered by R&AW, the agency switched sides and started providing intelligence support to Sri Lanka. When Prime Minister of India Rajiv Gandhi was forced to send the Indian Peace Keeping Force (IPKF) under Operation Pawan in 1987 to restore normalcy in the region. The disastrous mission of the IPKF was blamed by many on the lack of coordination between the IPKF and R&AW. Its most disastrous manifestation was the Heliborne assault on LTTE HQ in the Jaffna University campus in the opening stages of Operation Pawan. The dropping paratroopers became easy targets for the LTTE. A number of soldiers were killed. The assassination of Rajiv Gandhi ended India's involvement in Sri Lankan Civil war.{{citation needed|date=February 2023}}

In 2010, R&AW carried out a snatch operation in Sri Lanka, in which a top HuJI militant Sheikh Abdul Khawaja – handler of the 26/11 Mumbai terror attackers was captured and secretly taken away to India.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://m.hindustantimes.com/india/26-11-attacks-handler-arrested/story-YHnOhmpBbT7dL1uwp7yTbL.html|title=26/11 attacks handler arrested|date=18 January 2010|access-date=19 January 2010|publisher=Hindustan Times}}</ref>

In 2015, it was allegedly reported by the Sri Lankan newspaper The Sunday Times, that R&AW had played a role in uniting the opposition, to bring about the defeat of Mahinda Rajapaksa. There had been growing concern in the Indian government, on the increasing influence of economic and military rival China in Sri Lankan affairs. Rajapaksa further upped the ante by allowing 2 Chinese submarines to dock in 2014, without informing India, in spite of a stand still agreement to this effect between India and Sri Lanka. The growing Chinese tilt of Rajapaksa was viewed by India with unease. Further, it was alleged, that R&AW's Chief of Station in Colombo, helped coordination of talks within the opposition, and convincing former PM Ranil Wickremasinghe not to stand against Rajapaksa, but to choose a common opposition candidate, who had better chances of winning. The station chief was also alleged to have been in touch with Chandrika Kumaratunga, who played a key role in convincing Maithripala Sirisena to be the common candidate.<ref name=Chalmers-Miglani>{{cite news|last1=Chalmers|first1=John|last2=Miglani|first2=Sanjeev|title=Indian spy's role alleged in Sri Lankan president's election defeat|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-sri-lanka-election-india-insight-idUSKBN0KR03020150118|access-date=2 February 2015|work=Reuters|issue=US|date=17 January 2015|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150203032640/http://www.reuters.com/article/2015/01/18/us-sri-lanka-election-india-insight-idUSKBN0KR03020150118|archive-date=3 February 2015|df=dmy-all}}</ref> However these allegations were denied by the Indian Government<ref name="HT">{{cite news|title=India denies RAW deal in Sri Lanka's recent elections|url=http://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/intel-agencies-deny-raw-official-s-hand-in-rajapaksa-s-defeat/article1-1308061.aspx|access-date=2 February 2015|issue=New Delhi|work=Hindustan Times|date=19 January 2015|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150130024310/http://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/intel-agencies-deny-raw-official-s-hand-in-rajapaksa-s-defeat/article1-1308061.aspx|archive-date=30 January 2015|df=dmy-all}}</ref> and the Sri Lankan Foreign Minister Mangala Samaraweera.<ref name=DM.LK>{{cite news|title=SL election won by the people, not by RAW-Mangala|url=http://www.dailymirror.lk/61561/sri-lankan-election-won-by-the-people-not-by-raw-mangala|access-date=2 February 2015|work=Daily Mirror|date=19 January 2015|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150203032451/http://www.dailymirror.lk/61561/sri-lankan-election-won-by-the-people-not-by-raw-mangala|archive-date=3 February 2015|df=dmy-all}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.theweek.in/theweek/cover/2018/11/03/spies-rule-the-roost.amp.html|title=Spies rule the roast|date=11 November 2018|publisher=The Week|access-date=10 October 2023|archive-date=20 September 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230920041038/https://www.theweek.in/theweek/cover/2018/11/03/spies-rule-the-roost.amp.html|url-status=live}}</ref>

Before the 2019 Easter bombings, R&AW had issued precision intelligence warnings to its Sri Lankan counterpart about an impending terrorist attack. All of these warnings were based on HUMINT gathered by it.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/india-sent-three-alerts-to-sri-lanka-before-attack/story-o4UxdS30demqRFwMRwxE2O.html|title=India's first alert sent to Lanka 17 days before deadly bombing, then 2 more|access-date=22 April 2019|publisher=Hindustan Times|archive-date=24 April 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190424031058/https://m.hindustantimes.com/india-news/india-sent-three-alerts-to-sri-lanka-before-attack/story-o4UxdS30demqRFwMRwxE2O_amp.html|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.firstpost.com/world/sri-lanka-bomb-blasts-precision-intelligence-warnings-on-colombo-were-ignored-documents-show-6496211.html/amp|title=Sri Lanka bomb blasts: Precision intelligence warnings on Colombo were ignored, documents show|access-date=22 April 2019|publisher=First Post|archive-date=22 April 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190422195614/https://www.firstpost.com/world/sri-lanka-bomb-blasts-precision-intelligence-warnings-on-colombo-were-ignored-documents-show-6496211.html/amp|url-status=live}}</ref>

====Tajikistan==== In the mid-1990s, after the rise of Pakistan backed Taliban in Afghanistan, India started supporting the Northern Alliance. In order to provide support, India had acquired Farkhor Air Base. This airbase was used by R&AW, along with M.I., as a base of operations for all their activities directed to Afghanistan like covert paramilitary operations and HUMINT gathering. The airbase was also used by ARC and Directorate of Air Intelligence (DAI), to provide aerial reconnaissance to Northern Alliance.<ref name="farkhor"/>

====Turkey==== During the 2015 G20 Antalya summit, the R&AW station in Ankara increased its strength in order to provide additional security cover for visiting PM Modi, along with SPG. Officers from MI5 and Mossad were also deployed to provide Security as part of liaison agreement.<ref>{{cite news |last=Jha |first=Rajshekhar |date=15 November 2015 |title=Mossad, MI5 roped in to shield Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Turkey? |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/Mossad-MI5-roped-in-to-shield-Prime-Minister-Narendra-Modi-in-Turkey/articleshow/49786782.cms |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210517081759/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/mossad-mi5-roped-in-to-shield-prime-minister-narendra-modi-in-turkey/articleshow/49786782.cms |archive-date=17 May 2021 |access-date=29 June 2020 |work=The Times of India}}</ref>

=== Australia === A detailed report from ''The Washington Post'' and ''The Sydney Morning Herald'' revealed R&AW's deep operations in the country. Australian authorities expelled two Indian intelligence operatives in 2020 for being members of an elaborate "nest of spies" that attempted to steal sensitive information about defence technology, major airport security and trade relationships.<ref name=":1">{{Cite web |last=Knott |first=Matthew |date=2024-04-30 |title=Indian spies booted out of Australia for trying to steal sensitive information |url=https://www.smh.com.au/politics/federal/indian-spies-booted-out-of-australia-for-trying-to-steal-sensitive-information-20240430-p5fnol.html |access-date=2024-04-30 |website=The Sydney Morning Herald |language=en |archive-date=3 May 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240503182019/https://www.smh.com.au/politics/federal/indian-spies-booted-out-of-australia-for-trying-to-steal-sensitive-information-20240430-p5fnol.html |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name=":0">{{Cite news |last1=Miller |first1=Greg |last2=Shih |first2=Gerry |last3=Nakashima |first3=Ellen |date=2024-04-29 |title=An assassination plot on American soil reveals a darker side of Modi's India |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/2024/04/29/india-assassination-raw-sikhs-modi/ |url-access=subscription |access-date=2024-04-30 |newspaper=The Washington Post |language=en}}</ref>

ASIO Director-General Mike Burgess revealed in 2021 that ASIO had uncovered a "nest of spies" from R&AW, whose operations included grooming politicians and a foreign embassy as informants and R&AW had also recruited an Australian government official with security clearance.<ref name=":1" />

===Europe=== ====Belgium==== In 2021, R&AW is reported to have foiled an assassination plot hatched by Khalistan Commando Force militants from Belgium and United Kingdom, to target farmers' leader protesting at Delhi.<ref>{{cite web |author= |date=17 February 2021 |title=Khalistani terrorists from Belgium, UK planning to kill a farmer leader: intelligence agencies |url=https://www.livemint.com/news/india/khalistani-terrorists-planning-to-kill-a-farmer-leader-intelligence-agencies-11613547238202.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210217082040/https://www.livemint.com/news/india/khalistani-terrorists-planning-to-kill-a-farmer-leader-intelligence-agencies/amp-11613547238202.html |archive-date=17 February 2021 |access-date=17 February 2021 |publisher=Mint |agency=ANI}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Sharma |first=Ankur |date=17 February 2021 |title=Plan to eliminate a farmer leader by Khalistani terrorist organisation leaders from Belgium, UK tracked by Central intel agencies |url=https://www.aninews.in/news/national/general-news/plan-to-eliminate-a-farmer-leader-by-khalistani-terrorist-organisation-leaders-from-belgium-uk-tracked-by-central-intel-agencies20210217124843/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211224125221/https://www.aninews.in/news/national/general-news/plan-to-eliminate-a-farmer-leader-by-khalistani-terrorist-organisation-leaders-from-belgium-uk-tracked-by-central-intel-agencies20210217124843/ |archive-date=24 December 2021 |access-date=2021-12-24 |website=ANI |language=en}}</ref>

====Germany==== Since 2014, R&AW has undertaken numerous physical surveillance, identification and tracking operations in Germany, targeted towards Khalistani militants and Islamic fundamentalists. It has aggressively recruited agents inside pro-Khalistan circles all across Germany, in cities like Frankfurt and Berlin.<ref name="auto1">{{cite web |last=Swami |first=Praveen |date=19 May 2020 |title=Trial of 'R&AW Agent' in German Court Casts Spotlight on India's Secret War Against Khalistan Terror in Europe |url=https://www.news18.com/news/india/trial-of-raw-agent-in-german-court-casts-spotlight-on-indias-secret-war-against-khalistan-terror-in-europe-2624861.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200523080722/https://www.news18.com/amp/news/india/trial-of-raw-agent-in-german-court-casts-spotlight-on-indias-secret-war-against-khalistan-terror-in-europe-2624861.html |archive-date=23 May 2020 |access-date=19 May 2019 |publisher=News18}}</ref>

In 2019 a surveliiance operation was undertaken with the target being Gurmeet Singh Bagga, co-leader of the Khalistan Zindabad Force, and a fugitive wanted for the Punjab drone arms drop case.<ref name="auto1"/>

====Italy==== After 26/11, it was uncovered that Pakistan's ISI had not only laundered a large amount of money for the attack but also arranged VOIP calls that allowed the handlers to talk to the militants through the Italian city of Brescia.{{cn|date=March 2026}}

In order to counter these activities, R&AW established a new station in Rome. Since then, it has undertaken hundreds of operations, directed towards sleeper cells/operatives of Pakistan-based Islamic and Khalistani militant organisations.<ref>{{cite web |last=Marino |first=Francesca |date=1 February 2019 |title=Italy: The latest ISI outpost |url=https://www.firstpost.com/world/italy-the-latest-isi-outpost-6010711.html/amp |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190427175127/https://www.firstpost.com/world/italy-the-latest-isi-outpost-6010711.html/amp |archive-date=27 April 2019 |access-date=1 February 2019 |publisher=Firstpost}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last=Majumdar |first=Ushinor |date=1 February 2018 |title=Sikh Extremists In Canada, The UK And Italy Are Working With ISI Or Independently |url=https://www.outlookindia.com/magazine/amp/sikh-extremists-in-canada-the-uk-and-italy-are-working-with-isi-or-independently/299753 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180203090858/https://www.outlookindia.com/magazine/amp/sikh-extremists-in-canada-the-uk-and-italy-are-working-with-isi-or-independently/299753 |archive-date=3 February 2018 |access-date=1 February 2018 |publisher=Outlook}}</ref> It has also aggressively recruited agents inside Pro-Khalistan circles all across Italy.<ref name="auto1"/>

====United Kingdom==== During the 1980s, R&AW launched an extensive operation in London to neutralise UK-based Pakistani national Abdul Khan, who had played an instrumental role in sheltering extremists and planning attacks in India.<ref name="The New Indian Express">{{cite web |last=Yadav |first=Yatish |date=2 August 2020 |title=R&AW: A History of India's Covert Operations' showcases India's shadow warriors |url=https://www.newindianexpress.com/magazine/2020/Aug/02/raw-a-history-of-indias-covert-operations-showcases-indias-shadow-warriors-2176989.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230920033749/https://www.newindianexpress.com/magazine/2020/aug/02/raw-a-history-of-indias-covert-operations-showcases-indias-shadow-warriors-2176989.amp |archive-date=20 September 2023 |access-date=10 October 2023 |publisher=The New Indian Express}}</ref>

Since the suppression and defeat of Khalistani insurgency in the late 1990s, R&AW has greatly expanded its informant network inside Khalistani circles and associations in the UK. Wanted Khalistanis like Paramjeet Singh Pamma and Kuldeep Singh Chaheru have been living in UK since they fled in 1992, thus necessitating increased R&AW presence.{{according to whom|date=November 2021}}<ref>{{cite web |last=Sandhu |first=Kamaljit Kaur |date=9 December 2020 |title=Know all about the 2 prominent 'Khalistani extremists' who led anti-India rally in London amid farmers' protest in India |url=https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/know-all-about-the-2-prominent-khalistani-extremists-who-led-anti-india-rally-in-london-amid-farmers-protest-in-india-1747912-2020-12-09 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230920035415/https://www.indiatoday.in/amp/india/story/know-all-about-the-2-prominent-khalistani-extremists-who-led-anti-india-rally-in-london-amid-farmers-protest-in-india-1747912-2020-12-09 |archive-date=20 September 2023 |access-date=10 October 2023 |publisher=India Today}}</ref><ref name="auto1"/><ref name="The New Indian Express"/>

On 15 June 2023, Avtar Singh Khanda, the UK-based chief of the Khalistan Liberation Force (KLF) was suddenly admitted to the hospital with a case of blood cancer, and later died. His followers in the UK believe that Indian intelligence had him poisoned and are demanding the full medical report.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Sandhu |first=Kamaljit Kaur |date=15 June 2023 |title=UK-based Khalistan Liberation Force chief on life support in London, poisoning suspected |url=https://www.indiatoday.in/world/story/khalistan-liberation-force-chief-avtar-singh-khanda-poisoned-life-support-at-hospital-in-london-2393179-2023-06-15 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230630210703/https://www.indiatoday.in/world/story/khalistan-liberation-force-chief-avtar-singh-khanda-poisoned-life-support-at-hospital-in-london-2393179-2023-06-15 |archive-date=30 June 2023 |access-date=2023-06-30 |website=India Today |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2023-06-15 |editor-last=Gupta |editor-first=Aman |title=Amritpal Singh's close aide Avtar Singh Khanda dies in UK |url=https://www.livemint.com/news/india/amritpal-singhs-close-aide-and-khalistan-sympathiser-avtar-singh-khanda-dies-in-uk-11686802631976.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230630210703/https://www.livemint.com/news/india/amritpal-singhs-close-aide-and-khalistan-sympathiser-avtar-singh-khanda-dies-in-uk-11686802631976.html |archive-date=30 June 2023 |access-date=2023-06-30 |website=mint |language=en}}</ref>

===North America===

====Canada==== Kanishka Bombing case: On 23 June 1985 Air India's Flight 182 was blown up near Ireland and 329 people died. On the same day, another explosion took place at Tokyo's Narita airport's transit baggage building where baggage was being transferred from Cathay Pacific Flight No CP 003 to Air India Flight 301 which was scheduled for Bangkok. Both aircraft were loaded with explosives from Canadian airports. Flight 301 got saved because of a delay in its departure. This was considered as a major setback to R&AW for failing to gather enough intelligence about the Khalistani militants.<ref>[http://www.cbc.ca/news/background/airindia/documents/tab1.pdf CBC]. Canadian Security Intelligence Service (CSIS) had obtained permission to tape Parmar's phone on the basis that he was the leader of the Babbar Khalsa. {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090319070406/http://www.cbc.ca/news/background/airindia/documents/tab1.pdf |date=19 March 2009 }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=25 September 2006 |title=Air India witness describes impact of wife's death |url=http://www.ctv.ca/servlet/ArticleNews/story/CTVNews/20060925/airindia_inquiry_060925/20060925?hub=TopStories |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20061004011415/http://www.ctv.ca/servlet/ArticleNews/story/CTVNews/20060925/airindia_inquiry_060925/20060925?hub=TopStories |archive-date=4 October 2006 |website=ctv.ca}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=The Bombing of Air India Flight 182 |url=http://www.cbc.ca/news/background/airindia/ |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060810064513/http://www.cbc.ca/news/background/airindia/ |archive-date=10 August 2006 |website=CBC.ca}}</ref>

In April 2020, it was reported that R&AW and IB had launched an extensive operation in 2009–2015, to influence the Canadian government and politicians into supporting India's interests.<ref>{{cite web |last=Bell |first=Stewart |date=17 April 2020 |title=Canadian politicians were targets of Indian intelligence covert influence operation: document |url=https://globalnews.ca/news/6823170/canadian-politicians-targeted-indian-intelligence/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230415094608/https://globalnews.ca/news/6823170/canadian-politicians-targeted-indian-intelligence/amp/ |archive-date=15 April 2023 |access-date=10 October 2023 |publisher=Global News}}</ref> Canada has long being accused by India for being a safe haven for Khalistani separatists.<ref>{{cite news |date=16 July 2019 |title=Canada, UK remain safe havens for Khalistani terrorists, says expert |url=https://www.business-standard.com/article-amp/news-ani/canada-uk-remain-safe-havens-for-khalistani-terrorists-says-expert-119071601004_1.html |url-access=limited |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230411081406/https://www.business-standard.com/article-amp/news-ani/canada-uk-remain-safe-havens-for-khalistani-terrorists-says-expert-119071601004_1.html |archive-date=11 April 2023 |access-date=10 October 2023 |newspaper=Business Standard India |publisher= |agency=ANI}}</ref>

In July 2020, Canada put two Sikh men on Passenger Protect, the Canadian no-fly list, after Canadian Security Intelligence Service had received information from R&AW that both intended to travel to Pakistan and carry out an ISI-backed terrorist attack inside India. One of the men was identified as the son of Lakhbir Singh Rode, a well-known Khalistani separatist.<ref>{{cite web |last=Bhattacharyya |first=Anirudh |date=10 July 2020 |title=Canadian report flags ISI using pro-Khalistan elements for terror acts in India |url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/canadian-report-flags-isi-using-pro-khalistan-elements-for-terror-acts-in-india/story-0i4fpUgzRHOBDFjR9XySFL.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231004143152/https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/canadian-report-flags-isi-using-pro-khalistan-elements-for-terror-acts-in-india/story-0i4fpUgzRHOBDFjR9XySFL_amp.html |archive-date=4 October 2023 |access-date=10 October 2023 |publisher=Hindustan Times}}</ref>

On 19 June 2023, Hardeep Singh Nijjar, a prominent Khalistani leader and alleged chief of the Khalistan Tiger Force was shot to death outside the parking lot of Guru Nanak Sikh Gurdwara in Surrey, British Columbia.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Arora |first=Kusum |date=19 September 2023 |title=Hardeep Nijjar is Third Pro-Khalistani Activist to Die Abroad in 45 Days, Canada Probing Motive |url=https://thewire.in/world/hardeep-singh-nijjar-killing-khalistan-speculation |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230630210703/https://thewire.in/world/hardeep-singh-nijjar-killing-khalistan-speculation |archive-date=30 June 2023 |access-date=2023-06-30 |website=The Wire}}</ref> Nijjar was accused of training and funding members of the separatist group and had been declared a terrorist by India, who put a bounty of {{INRConvert|10|l|lk=on|year=2020}} for information leading to his arrest.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Sarkar |first=Alisha Rahaman |date=2023-06-19 |title=Hardeep Singh Nijjar: Khalistani leader shot dead inside gurdwara in Canada |url=https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/americas/khalistan-leader-shot-dead-canada-b2360146.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230630210707/https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/americas/khalistan-leader-shot-dead-canada-b2360146.html |archive-date=30 June 2023 |access-date=2023-06-30 |website=The Independent |language=en}}</ref> This was heavily seen as an R&AW assassination operation by not only followers of Nijjar, but also from Canadian officials.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Bell |first=Stewart |date=22 June 2023 |title=Murder at the temple: The conflicting legacies of a B.C. Sikh leader |url=https://globalnews.ca/news/9784316/hardeep-singh-nijjar-death-surrey-b-c/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230919144314/https://globalnews.ca/news/9784316/hardeep-singh-nijjar-death-surrey-b-c/ |archive-date=19 September 2023 |access-date=2023-06-30 |website=Global News |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last=Isai |first=Vjosa |date=2023-06-24 |title=Killing of Sikh Leader Raises Fears in British Columbia |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2023/06/24/world/canada/sikh-killing-british-columbia-india.html |url-access=registration |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230630210703/https://www.nytimes.com/2023/06/24/world/canada/sikh-killing-british-columbia-india.html |archive-date=30 June 2023 |access-date=2023-06-30 |work=The New York Times |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331}}</ref> On 18 September 2023, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau formally accused the Indian government of the killing and acknowledged the expulsion of a prominent Indian diplomat responsible for R&AW activities in the country.<ref>{{Cite news |last1=Austen |first1=Ian |last2=Isai |first2=Vjosa |date=2023-09-18 |title=Justin Trudeau Accuses India in a Killing on Canadian Soil |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2023/09/18/world/canada/canada-india-sikh-killing.html |url-access=registration |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230919010329/https://www.nytimes.com/2023/09/18/world/canada/canada-india-sikh-killing.html |archive-date=19 September 2023 |access-date=2023-09-18 |work=The New York Times |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331}}</ref> India rejected Canada's allegations of involvement in Nijjar's murder, calling the Canadian government's allegations "absurd and motivated", and expelled numerous Canadian diplomats.<ref>{{Cite web |date=19 September 2023 |title=India rejects allegations by Canada |url=https://www.mea.gov.in/press-releases.htm?dtl/37125/India_rejects_allegations_by_Canada |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231008193938/https://www.mea.gov.in/press-releases.htm?dtl/37125/India_rejects_allegations_by_Canada |archive-date=8 October 2023 |access-date=2023-10-10 |website=mea.gov.in |publisher=Ministry of External Affairs, Government of India |language=english}}</ref>

==== United States ==== On 23 November 2023, ''The'' ''Financial Times'' reported that the United States had foiled a plan to assassinate Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, a Sikh separatist, on American soil.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2023-11-22 |title=US foils bid to kill Sikh terrorist Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, warns India: Report |url=https://www.livemint.com/news/world/us-thwarts-plot-to-kill-sikh-separatist-issues-warning-to-india-report-11700650091904.html |access-date=2024-04-04 |website=Livemint}}</ref> Following this, the US requested India to hold accountable those responsible for the plot. The plot in the United States coincided with the June 18 shooting death of Hardeep Singh Nijjar in Surrey, B.C., near Vancouver — an operation also linked to R&AW. Experts and officials say that the foiled assassination is part of an escalating campaign of aggression by R&AW against alleged Sikh Separatists in Asia, Europe, USA and Canada.<ref name=":0" /><ref>{{cite news |last1=Ellis-Petersen |first1=Hannah |last2=Hassan |first2=Aakash |last3=Baloch |first3=Shah Meer |date=4 April 2024 |title=Indian government ordered killings in Pakistan, intelligence officials claim |url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2024/apr/04/indian-government-assassination-allegations-pakistan-intelligence-officials |work=The Guardian |archive-date=2 September 2024 |access-date=4 April 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240902191622/https://www.theguardian.com/world/2024/apr/04/indian-government-assassination-allegations-pakistan-intelligence-officials |url-status=live }}</ref>

On 10 December 2023, ''The Washington Post'' reported that an R&AW officer established a fake news site to spread disinformation against critics of the Modi government.<ref>{{Cite news |last1=Shih |first1=Gerry |last2=Ence Morse |first2=Clara |last3=Verma |first3=Pranshu |date=2023-12-11 |title=Covert Indian operation seeks to discredit Modi's critics in the U.S. |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/2023/12/10/india-the-disinfo-lab-discredit-critics/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231211080558/https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/2023/12/10/india-the-disinfo-lab-discredit-critics/ |archive-date=2023-12-11 |access-date=2023-12-30 |newspaper=The Washington Post |language=en}}</ref>

On 20 March 2024, ''Bloomberg'' reported that an Indian investigation had found "rogue operative" who were not authorized by the government to be involved in the plot. Additionally, at least one person who was directly involved in the alleged assassination attempt is no longer employed by R&AW. However, India has not initiated any criminal action against them.<ref>{{Cite news |last1=Sen |first1=Sudhi Ranjan |last2=Antony |first2=Anto |date=2024-03-20 |title=India's Probe Finds Rogue Officials Involved in US Murder Plot |url=https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2024-03-20/india-s-probe-finds-rogue-officials-involved-in-us-murder-plot |access-date=2024-04-04 |work=bloomberg.com |archive-date=4 April 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240404150010/https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2024-03-20/india-s-probe-finds-rogue-officials-involved-in-us-murder-plot |url-status=live }}</ref> According to ''The Washington Post'', it is the U.S. intelligence agencies assessment that the operation targeting Pannun was approved by Samant Goel, the R&AW chief at the time.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Miller |first1=Greg |last2=Shih |first2=Gerry |last3=Nakashima |first3=Ellen |date=April 29, 2024 |title=An assassination plot on American soil reveals a darker side of Modi's India |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/2024/04/29/india-assassination-raw-sikhs-modi/ |url-access=subscription |newspaper=The Washington Post}}</ref>

On 15 October 2024 ''Hindustan Times'' reported that India has conveyed to the United States that it (India) has arrested the "rogue operative".<ref>{{Cite web |last=Jha |first=Prashant |date=October 15, 2024 |title=India tells US 'CC1' arrested as team heads to Washington |url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/india-tells-us-cc1-arrested-as-team-heads-to-washington-101728933357929.html |access-date=October 15, 2024 |website=Hindustan Times}}</ref> The "rogue operative" had made bail in April 2024 according to ''The'' ''Indian Express''''.'' The "rogue operative" was arrested in an extortion case.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Manral |first=Mahender Singh |date=2024-10-19 |title=Weeks after US called him key conspirator in Pannun murder bid, Delhi Police arrested Vikash Yadav in local extortion case |url=https://indianexpress.com/article/india/weeks-after-us-called-him-key-conspirator-in-pannun-murder-bid-delhi-police-arrested-vikash-yadav-in-local-extortion-case-9627561/ |url-access=subscription |access-date=2024-12-30 |website=The Indian Express |language=en |archive-date=30 December 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241230104312/https://indianexpress.com/article/india/weeks-after-us-called-him-key-conspirator-in-pannun-murder-bid-delhi-police-arrested-vikash-yadav-in-local-extortion-case-9627561/ |url-status=live }}</ref>

On 18 November 2024 ''The New Indian Express'' reported that the "rogue operative" had sought exemption <bdi>from physical appearance in the court citing threat to his life.</bdi><ref>{{Cite web |last=Singh |first=Shekhar |date=2024-11-18 |title=Vikas Yadav to court: Exempt me from physical appearance |url=https://www.newindianexpress.com/cities/delhi/2024/Nov/18/vikas-yadav-to-court-exempt-me-from-physical-appearance |access-date=2024-12-30 |website=The New Indian Express |language=en |archive-date=30 December 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241230104312/https://www.newindianexpress.com/cities/delhi/2024/Nov/18/vikas-yadav-to-court-exempt-me-from-physical-appearance |url-status=live }}</ref>

On 15 January 2025 ''The Indian Express'' reported that an inquiry committee which was formed by the Government of India after US allegation regarding Gurpatwant Singh Pannun came to light had recommended legal action against an unnamed individual and the committee also recommended "functional improvements in systems and procedures as well as initiation of steps that could strengthen India's response capability, ensure systematic controls and coordinated action in dealing with matters like this."<ref>{{Cite web |last=Manral |first=Mahender Singh |date=2025-01-15 |title=Gurpatwant Pannun assassination plot: Govt panel suggests legal action against 'individual' with 'criminal links and antecedents' |url=https://indianexpress.com/article/india/pannun-assassination-plot-legal-action-criminal-9780314/ |access-date=2025-01-15 |website=The Indian Express |language=en |archive-date=15 January 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250115112755/https://indianexpress.com/article/india/pannun-assassination-plot-legal-action-criminal-9780314/ |url-status=live }}</ref>

===Controversies=== R&AW's controversies and failures at times can be attributed to weak political leadership which translated into operational hurdles manifesting in the form of political interference, budget constraints, Inter Services/Departmental/Cadre rivalry and corruption. * In the early 1980s, K.V. Unnikrishnan, R&AW officer stationed in Colombo was honey-trapped by CIA. Between 1985 and 1987 he gave away information to his handler on training and arming Tamil groups including LTTE, the Indian government's negotiating positions on the peace accord with Sri Lanka and the encryption code used by the agency. He was caught by IB counterintelligence in 1987, spent a year in Tihar jail and was dismissed from IPS cadre.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://indiatoday.intoday.in/story/madras-cafe-madras-honey-trap-john-abraham-cia-ltte-raw/1/304302.html|title=Madras Cafe brings back uncomfortable memories of the CIA's honey trap|last=Unnithan|first=Sandip|date=29 August 2013|work=India Today|access-date=11 September 2013|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130912104153/http://indiatoday.intoday.in/story/madras-cafe-madras-honey-trap-john-abraham-cia-ltte-raw/1/304302.html|archive-date=12 September 2013|df=dmy-all}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last=Gupta |first=Shekhar |author-link=Shekhar Gupta |date=11 September 2013 |title=Such a long Lankan journey |url=http://www.indianexpress.com/news/such-a-long-lankan-journey/1167330/0 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130914042030/http://www.indianexpress.com/news/such-a-long-lankan-journey/1167330/0 |archive-date=14 September 2013 |access-date=11 September 2013 |work=The Indian Express |df=dmy-all}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=http://media2.intoday.in/indiatoday/9_30_1987-RAW_Spy-Catching.pdf|title=Spy Catching|last=Bahdwar|first=Inderjit|date=30 September 1987|work=India Today|access-date=11 September 2013|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130918113918/http://media2.intoday.in/indiatoday/9_30_1987-RAW_Spy-Catching.pdf|archive-date=18 September 2013|df=dmy-all}}</ref> * In 2004, there was a spy scandal involving the CIA.<ref>{{cite web |date=11 September 2001 |title=India's CIA spy scandal |url=http://www.janes.com/security/international_security/news/jid/jid040701_1_n.shtml |url-access=limited |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080225164631/http://www.janes.com/security/international_security/news/jid/jid040701_1_n.shtml |archive-date=25 February 2008 |access-date=28 September 2009 |publisher=janes.com}}</ref> Rabinder Singh, Joint Secretary and the head of R&AW's South-East Asia department, defected to America on 5 June 2004. R&AW had already become suspicious about his movements, and he was under surveillance for a long time. Soon he was confronted by Counterintelligence officials on 19 April 2004. Rabinder Singh managed to defect with 'sensitive files' he had allegedly removed from R&AW's headquarters in south New Delhi. This embarrassing fiasco and national security failure were attributed to weak surveillance, shoddy investigation, and lack of coordination between the Counterintelligence and Security, Intelligence Bureau (IB) and R&AW.<ref>Kutty, C K (3 February 2005). [http://in.rediff.com/news/2005/feb/04spec1.htm Did the CIA help Rabinder Singh flee? rediff.] rediff.com. {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060706044620/http://in.rediff.com/news/2005/feb/04spec1.htm|date=6 July 2006}}</ref> According to unconfirmed reports, Singh has surfaced in Virginia, USA. Recently in an affidavit submitted to the court, R&AW deposed that Singh has been traced in New Jersey.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.indianexpress.com/story/15865.html |title=Rabinder in US, we want him back: RAW in court |work=The Indian Express |date=2 November 2006 |access-date=28 September 2009 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080307091854/http://www.indianexpress.com/story/15865.html |archive-date= 7 March 2008 }}</ref> It has been speculated in the book ''Mission R&AW'' that although the CIA was found directly involved in compromising Singh and Unnikrishnan, at least eight other R&AW officers managed to clandestinely migrate and settle in foreign countries like the US and Canada with the help of their spy agencies.<ref>{{cite news |last=Yadav |first=Yatish |date=6 April 2014 |title=Former Spy Reveals Secrets of Research and Analysis Wing |url=http://www.newindianexpress.com/nation/Former-Spy-Reveals-Secrets-of-Research-and-Analysis-Wing/2014/04/06/article2151632.ece |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140407151105/http://www.newindianexpress.com/nation/Former-Spy-Reveals-Secrets-of-Research-and-Analysis-Wing/2014/04/06/article2151632.ece |archive-date=7 April 2014 |access-date=6 April 2014 |newspaper=The New Indian Express |df=dmy-all}}</ref> * In September 2007, R&AW was involved in a controversy due to a high-profile CBI raid at the residence of Major General (retired) V K Singh, a retired Joint Secretary of R&AW who has recently written a book on R&AW where it was alleged that political interference and corruption in the intelligence agency has made it vulnerable to defections. One of the instances of corruption mentioned in the book was the preference given by R&AW departments towards purchasing intelligence from the Rohde and Schwarz company.<ref>{{Cite book |last=Singh |first=V. K. |title=India's External Intelligence: Secrets of Research & Analysis Wing (RAW) |publisher=Manas Publications |year=2007 |isbn=9788170493327 |location=New Delhi |pages=87}}</ref> A reason for such corruption as explained by the author is that "''...''R&AW was not answerable to any outside agency – the control of the Prime Minister's Office was perfunctory, at best – many officers thought that they were not only above the law but a law unto themselves''.''"<ref>{{Cite book |last=Singh |first=V. K. |title=India's External Intelligence: Secrets of Research & Analysis Wing (RAW) |publisher=Manas Publications |year=2007 |isbn=9788170493327 |location=New Delhi |pages=12}}</ref> A case under the Official Secrets Act has also been filed against V K Singh.<ref>[http://in.news.yahoo.com/070921/211/6l26e.html RAW man protests CBI raid on his home over story book]. Retrieved 24 September 2007 {{dead link|date=June 2016|bot=medic}}{{cbignore|bot=medic}}</ref> * On 19 August 2008,<ref>{{cite web |last=Burman |first=Partho |date=19 August 2008 |title=RAW officer attempts suicide at PMO |url=http://www.headlinesindia.com/defence-news/army/raw-officer-attempts-suicide-outside-pmo-531.html |url-status=unfit |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090113073046/http://www.headlinesindia.com/defence-news/army/raw-officer-attempts-suicide-outside-pmo-531.html |archive-date=13 January 2009 |access-date=28 September 2009 |publisher=headlinesindia.com}}</ref> the R&AW Director (Language) who was also head of the R&AW Training Institute in Gurgaon from 2005<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.indianexpress.com/story/350996.html |title='Sexually harassed but no one listening': suicide bid at PMO by RAW director |work=The Indian Express |date=20 August 2008 |access-date=28 September 2009 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081204204148/http://www.indianexpress.com/story/350996.html |archive-date=4 December 2008 }}</ref> tried to commit suicide in front of Prime Minister's Office, alleging inaction and wrong findings to a sexual harassment complaint filed against a Joint Secretary, who was on deputation to R&AW.<ref>{{cite web |author= |date=19 August 2008 |title=RAW officer attempts suicide near PMO |url=http://www.ndtv.com/convergence/ndtv/story.aspx?id=NEWEN20080062175 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081202115533/http://www.ndtv.com/convergence/ndtv/story.aspx?id=NEWEN20080062175 |archive-date=2 December 2008 |access-date=28 September 2009 |publisher=NDTV.com |df=dmy |agency=Press Trust of India}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.newstrackindia.com/newsdetails/12668 |title=RAW officer attempts suicide at PMO |publisher=Newstrackindia.com |date=20 August 2008 |access-date=28 September 2009 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100423145447/http://www.newstrackindia.com/newsdetails/12668 |archive-date=23 April 2010 |df=dmy-all }}</ref> She was discharged from duty on the ground that she was mentally unfit<ref>{{cite web |url=http://indiankanoon.org/doc/1061624/ |title=Ms. Nisha Priya Bhatia vs Cabinet Secretariat (R ) on 31 December, 2009 |publisher=Indiankanoon.org |access-date=28 May 2012 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120319031347/http://indiankanoon.org/doc/1061624/ |archive-date=19 March 2012 |df=dmy-all }}</ref> and that her identity was disclosed.<ref name="indianexpress.com">{{cite web |url=http://www.indianexpress.com/news/no-grave-mental-disorder-institute-seeks/756075/ |title=No 'grave' mental disorder, institute seeks review in trial of ex-RAW official |work=The Indian Express |date=1 March 2011 |access-date=28 May 2012 |df=dmy-all |archive-date=4 March 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110304121325/http://www.indianexpress.com/news/no-grave-mental-disorder-institute-seeks/756075/ |url-status=live }}</ref> She was later separately charged with criminal trespass,<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.indianexpress.com/news/arrested-raw-director-gets-bail-in-trespass/552243/ |title=Arrested RAW director gets bail in trespass case |work=The Indian Express |date=10 December 2009 |access-date=28 May 2012 |df=dmy-all |archive-date=14 August 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140814175215/http://www.newindianexpress.com/entertainment/tamil/Foreign-baddies-muscle-into-Tamil-cinema/2013/09/01/article1757724.ece |url-status=live }}</ref> human trafficking<ref>{{cite news|url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/Former-RAW-official-tries-to-undress-in-court/articleshow/7326218.cms |work=The Times of India |title=Former RAW official tries to undress in court |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110124013752/http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/Former-RAW-official-tries-to-undress-in-court/articleshow/7326218.cms |archive-date=24 January 2011 |df=dmy }}</ref> and for her repeated attempts to commit suicide.<ref name="indianexpress.com" /> The Central Administrative Tribunal (CAT) ordered R&AW to reinstate her<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.indianexpress.com/news/cat-snubs-r&aw-reinstates-officer/592870/ |title=CAT snubs R&AW, reinstates officer |work=The Indian Express |date=19 March 2010 |access-date=28 May 2012 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110123005713/http://www.indianexpress.com/news/cat-snubs-r%26aw-reinstates-officer/592870/ |archive-date=23 January 2011 |df=dmy-all }}</ref> however R&AW filed an appeal against the CAT order which is pending before Delhi High Court.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.indianexpress.com/news/no-grave-mental-disorder-institute-seeks-review-in-trial-of-exraw-official/756075/2 |title=No 'grave' mental disorder, institute seeks review in trial of ex-RAW official |work=The Indian Express |date=1 March 2011 |access-date=28 May 2012 |df=dmy-all |archive-date=14 August 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140814175215/http://www.newindianexpress.com/entertainment/tamil/Foreign-baddies-muscle-into-Tamil-cinema/2013/09/01/article1757724.ece |url-status=live }}</ref> On 20 January 2011 she was sent for psychological evaluation<ref>{{cite news | url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/delhi/ex-raw-official-to-stay-in-medical-detention/articleshow/7376165.cms | work=The Times of India | title=Ex-RAW official to stay in medical detention | date=28 January 2011 | url-status=live | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160210074902/http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/delhi/ex/RAW-official-to-stay-in-medical-detention/articleshow/7376165.cms | archive-date=10 February 2016 | df=dmy-all }}</ref> and medical detention by a Delhi High Court judge when she tried to strip herself in the court protesting over the slow pace of her trial.<ref>{{cite news | url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/Protesting-slow-pace-of-trial-woman-strips-in-HC/articleshow/7330669.cms | work=The Times of India | title=Protesting slow pace of trial, woman strips in HC | date=21 January 2011 | url-status=live | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110124204733/http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/Protesting-slow-pace-of-trial-woman-strips-in-HC/articleshow/7330669.cms | archive-date=24 January 2011 | df=dmy-all }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://ibnlive.in.com/news/former-raw-official-strips-in-court/141077-3.html |title=Former RAW official strips in Delhi court -India News – IBN7 |publisher=Ibnlive.in.com |date=21 January 2011 |access-date=28 May 2012 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120501030648/http://ibnlive.in.com/news/former-raw-official-strips-in-court/141077-3.html |archive-date=1 May 2012 |df=dmy-all }}</ref> The psychological evaluation report stated that 'she may be suffering a mental problem due to loss of job and her continuous run-ins at the courts, but she was certainly not suffering from any permanent or grave mental disorder.'<ref name="indianexpress.com" /> On 15 December 2014, the Supreme Court of India quashed the 2008 media release, which proclaimed Ms. Bhatia as mentally unstable, on the ground that it affected the "dignity, reputation and privacy of a citizen".<ref>{{cite news|title=Sanity slur off|url=http://www.telegraphindia.com/1141216/jsp/nation/story_3825.jsp|access-date=16 December 2014|work=Calcutta Telegraph|date=15 December 2014|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141216145356/http://www.telegraphindia.com/1141216/jsp/nation/story_3825.jsp|archive-date=16 December 2014|df=dmy-all}}</ref> * On 4 February 2009, A senior technical officer worked in the division was arrested by CBI on graft charges, the officer was accused of demanding and accepting a bribe of ₹ 100,000 from a Chennai based manufacturer for obtaining an export license.<ref>{{Cite news |url=http://www.hindu.com/2009/02/04/stories/2009020455681300.htm |title=Front Page : RAW official arrested on graft charge |date=4 February 2009 |access-date=28 September 2009 |location=Chennai, India |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090629014937/http://hindu.com/2009/02/04/stories/2009020455681300.htm |archive-date=29 June 2009 |work=The Hindu |df=dmy-all }}</ref> * In September 2009, seven Additional Secretaries from the RAS cadre had gone on protest leave after A. B. Mathur, an IPS officer, superseded them to the post of Special Secretary.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://news.rediff.com/report/2009/sep/07/indias-spies-the-latest-to-go-on-strike.htm |title=India's spies the latest to go on strike: Rediff.com news |work=Rediff.com |date=7 September 2009 |access-date=28 September 2009 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091014065415/http://news.rediff.com/report/2009/sep/07/indias-spies-the-latest-to-go-on-strike.htm |archive-date=14 October 2009 |df=dmy-all }}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://in.news.yahoo.com/32/20090907/1053/tnl-ips-promoted-raw-officials-strike-wi.html |title=IPS promoted, RAW officials strike with a holiday – Yahoo! India News |publisher=Yahoo! News |access-date=28 September 2009 }}{{dead link|date=June 2016|bot=medic}}{{cbignore|bot=medic}}</ref> Over the years the tussle between the RAS cadre and officers on deputation from IPS cadre has caused friction in the working of the agency.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.outlookindia.com/article.aspx?237864 |title=Spy Versus Spy | Saikat Datta |publisher=Outlookindia.com |access-date=28 May 2012 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121016030914/http://www.outlookindia.com/article.aspx?237864 |archive-date=16 October 2012 |df=dmy-all }}</ref> * In 2007, there was a spy scandal involving Bangladesh.<ref>{{cite web |last=Singh |first=Vijaita |date=12 June 2007 |title=Bangladeshi worked for RAW for 6 years- Hindustan Times |url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/india/bangladeshi-worked-for-r-aw-for-6-years/story-Uf6RDpK51dvMPbh9NQUbtK.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080108064316/http://newsrack.in/DisplayNewsItem.do%3Bjsessionid%3D12C267E943FFA098F3EF22DDAB5D0D83?ni=12.6.2007%2F390.ht.india%2Fni1.redir.aspx_ID%3D0d7300bc-67d0-4611-9eee-6713d46e0630 |archive-date=8 January 2008 |access-date=28 September 2009 |website= |publisher=Hindustan Times |df=dmy-all |via=Newsrack.in}}</ref> A Bangladeshi DGFI agent concealed his nationality before joining R&AW, and was known by the name of Diwan Chand Malik in the agency. He was known to have some important intel which was damaging for the national security. He joined the agency in 1999 and used to live in East Delhi. A case of cheating and forgery was filed against him at the Lodhi Colony police station on the basis of a complaint by a senior R&AW official.<ref>[http://www.hindustantimes.com/storypage/storypage.aspx?id=0d7300bc-67d0-4611-9eee-6713d46e0630&MatchID1=4586&TeamID1=1&TeamID2=8&MatchType1=1&SeriesID1=1151&MatchID2=4588&TeamID3=3&TeamID4=5&MatchType2=1&SeriesID2=1152&PrimaryID=4586&Headline=Bangladeshi+worked+for+R%26amp%3bAW+for+6+years Bangladeshi worked for RAW for 6 years] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080103103401/http://www.hindustantimes.com/storypage/storypage.aspx?id=0d7300bc-67d0-4611-9eee-6713d46e0630&MatchID1=4586&TeamID1=1&TeamID2=8&MatchType1=1&SeriesID1=1151&MatchID2=4588&TeamID3=3&TeamID4=5&MatchType2=1&SeriesID2=1152&PrimaryID=4586&Headline=Bangladeshi%20worked%20for%20R&amp%3BAW%20for%206%20years |date=3 January 2008 }}</ref>

* In the edition of 8 February 2010 ''Outlook Magazine'' reported on former R&AW Chief, Ashok Chaturvedi, used agency funds to take his wife along on international trips and after retirement, Chaturvedi had a diplomatic passport issued for himself and his wife.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Datta |first=Saikat |date=8 February 2010 |title=A Spy And His Soup |url=http://www.outlookindia.com/article.aspx?264027 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100204075311/http://www.outlookindia.com/article.aspx?264027 |archive-date=4 February 2010 |website=outlookindia.com}}</ref> * On 25 March 2016, Pakistan claimed that they arrested a R&AW operative by the name of Kulbhushan Jadhav who was operating in Balochistan province under the cover name Hussain Mubarak Patel and used to operate a jewelry shop in Chahbahar, Iran. However, Indian MEA said that though Jadhav was an Indian Navy officer who retired prematurely, he has no link with the government.{{cn|date=May 2026}} The Indian High Commission has also sought consular access to Jadhav, but Pakistan has not agreed to it<ref name="newindianexpress.com 2016-03-27">{{cite web |date=27 March 2016 |title=Iran President Dismisses Pakistan's RAW Spy Claim |url=http://www.newindianexpress.com/nation/Iran-President-Dismisses-Pakistans-RAW-Spy-Claim/2016/03/27/article3348018.ece |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160404192454/http://www.newindianexpress.com/nation/Iran-President-Dismisses-Pakistans-RAW-Spy-Claim/2016/03/27/article3348018.ece |archive-date=4 April 2016 |work=The New Indian Express |df=dmy-all}}</ref> and Pakistan leaked some information without realising glaring loopholes in the same. The Iranian President Hassan Rouhani also dismissed Pakistan's claim and stated them as mere rumors.<ref name="newindianexpress.com 2016-03-27" /> According to an Indian official, Jadhav owns a cargo business in Iran and had been working out of Bandar Abbas and Chabahar ports. "It appears that he strayed into Pakistani waters. But there is also a possibility that he was lured into Pakistan sometime back and fake documents were created on him.<ref name="newindianexpress.com 2016-03-27" />

== In popular culture == R&AW has been depicted widely in Bollywood and regional movies, television and web series and novels.

Films in the 1960s and 1970s, such as ''Aankhen'' (1968), starring Dharmendra and Mala Sinha, ''Prem Pujari'' starring Dev Anand in 1970, and ''Hindustan Ki Kasam'' (1973) starring Raaj Kumar and Priya Rajvansh referenced "agents" and "espionage". However, since the late 1990s and early 2000, Bollywood and other regional films have openly mentioned R&AW and its allied units, with the intelligence agencies at the center of the plot. In ''The Hero'' (2003) film Sunny Deol played a R&AW spy, who eliminates Pakistani terrorists who tried to gain bombs to use against India.<ref>{{Cite web |date=7 May 2018 |title=Ten Bollywood female spies... |url=https://www.livemint.com/Consumer/TlAMqMcR5Ch6QnqAArJYXN/Ten-Bollywood-female-spies-to-remember.html%3Ffacet%3Damp&ved=2ahUKEwixkYSJjdeBAxVbUGwGHXiqC904ChAWegQIChAB&usg=AOvVaw0o0nfyZJ270RevJADst8VT |url-status=deviated |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231003233050/https://www.livemint.com/consumer/tlamqmcr5ch6qnqaarjyxn/ten-bollywood-female-spies-to-remember.html?facet=amp&ved=2ahukewixkysjjdebaxvbugwghxiqc904chawegqichab&usg=aovvaw0o0nfyzj270revjadst8vt |archive-date=3 October 2023 |website=Live Mint}}</ref> In ''Romeo Akbar Walter'' (2019), John Abraham played the role of a spy recruited by the Research and Analysis Wing.<ref>{{Citation |last=Grewal |first=Robbie |title=Romeo Akbar Walter |date=2019-04-05 |type=Action, Drama, Thriller |url=https://www.imdb.com/title/tt8550208/ |access-date=2024-03-26 |others=John Abraham, Jackie Shroff, Sikandar Kher |publisher=Kyta Productions, NNB Digital Media, VA Film Company |archive-date=30 November 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241130231629/https://www.imdb.com/title/tt8550208/ |url-status=live }}</ref> ''Uri'' (2019) highlights the collaborative role of specialized agencies. It depicts the National Security Council and the agency (Yami Gautam's character Pallavi Sharma) working alongside ISRO for satellite imagery and DRDO for drone surveillance to plan the operation.{{cn|date=May 2026}} In the film ''Mission Majnu'' (2023), Siddharth Malhotra played a secret r&aw field agent.<ref>{{cite news |date=16 December 2022 |title=Mission Majnu teaser out! Sidharth Malhotra plays RAW agent, promises to protect India |url=https://www.indiatoday.in/binge-watch/story/mission-majnu-teaser-out-sidharth-malhotra-plays-raw-agent-promises-to-protect-india-2309986-2022-12-16 |access-date=22 November 2023 |work=India Today |language=en |archive-date=22 November 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231122085709/https://www.indiatoday.in/binge-watch/story/mission-majnu-teaser-out-sidharth-malhotra-plays-raw-agent-promises-to-protect-india-2309986-2022-12-16 |url-status=live }}</ref> In the 2023 film ''Khufiya'' directed by Vishal Bharadwaj, actress Tabu played a role of R&AW operative.

The agency also serves as the backdrop for the 2025 Hindi film ''Dhurandhar'' and it's sequel ''Dhurandhar: The Revenge'', which offers a raw, authentic<ref>{{cite web |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/hindi/bollywood/news/aditya-dhars-dhurandhar-is-rooted-in-reality-says-colonel-bhupinder-shahi-reveals-real-spy-stories-he-lived-in-pok-even-got-married-there/articleshow/129811369.cms |title=Aditya Dhar's Dhurandhar is rooted in reality, says Colonel Bhupinder Shahi; reveals real spy stories |website=The Times of India |date=26 March 2026 |access-date=28 March 2026}}</ref> and intense portrayal of Indian intelligence that stands in stark contrast to conventional Bollywood cinema.<ref>{{Cite news|title='ISI and R&AW Agents Won’t Dance With Each Other': Dhurandhar Actor Takes Dig At Pathaan And Tiger|url=https://www.news18.com/movies/bollywood/isi-and-raw-agents-wont-dance-with-each-other-dhurandhar-actor-takes-dig-at-pathaan-and-tiger-ws-l-9788431.html|work=News18|access-date=2026-01-26|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260101184456/https://www.news18.com/movies/bollywood/isi-and-raw-agents-wont-dance-with-each-other-dhurandhar-actor-takes-dig-at-pathaan-and-tiger-ws-l-9788431.html|archive-date=1 January 2026|language=en-US|url-status=live}}</ref> Former R&AW chief Vikram Sood has criticized Bollywood spy films like ''Pathaan'', ''Ek Tha Tiger'', and ''Raazi'' for being unrealistic, glamorous, and inaccurate depictions of intelligence work. He considers these movies, which often feature stylized action and R&AW-ISI romances, as mere entertainment rather than reality. Real agents, he notes, are discreet and professional, not superheroes.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/entertainment/bollywood/former-r-aw-chief-vikram-sood-on-pathaan-ek-tha-tiger-101687687744241.html |title=Former R&AW chief Vikram Sood says Bollywood spy films like Pathaan, Ek Tha Tiger and Raazi are unrealistic and glamorized depictions of intelligence work |website=Hindustan Times |date=18 April 2023 |access-date=18 February 2026 |archive-date=19 April 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250419190337/https://www.hindustantimes.com/entertainment/bollywood/former-r-aw-chief-vikram-sood-on-pathaan-ek-tha-tiger-101687687744241.html |url-status=live }}</ref>

During 2010 to 2020, many films on R&AW were produced. Among them, ''Madras Cafe'', ''Baby'', ''Phantom'' and ''D-Day'' most accurately depict the realistic work culture and life of officers and agents, following the ''Dhurandhar Film Series''.<ref>{{cite news |title=Five Hindi spy thrillers to binge if you can’t get over ‘Dhurandhar’ mania |url=https://www.telegraphindia.com/entertainment/five-hindi-spy-thrillers-to-binge-if-you-cant-get-over-dhurandhar-mania-photogallery/cid/2152476 |work=The Telegraph |date=2026-03-21 |access-date=2026-04-26}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title='Dhurandhar', Madras Cafe; Bollywood edge-of-the-seat spy thrillers inspired by real terror operations |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/hindi/bollywood/news/dhurandhar-madras-cafe-bollywood-edge-of-the-seat-spy-thrillers-inspired-by-real-terror-operations/photostory/127882646.cms |work=The Times of India |date=2026-02-03 |access-date=2026-04-26}}</ref>

''Vikram'' (1986), a Tamil movie and the first Indian film to use computer for recording the songs, features a R&AW agent and his mission to safeguard the Indian Missile Program. The ''Highway'' (1995), a popular Malayalam movie features Suresh Gopi in the role of a R&AW officer.{{Citation needed|date=March 2024}} In 2003 Tamil film, Ottran Arjun Sarja plays a R&AW agent who is on the trail of a terror plot to destabilise the country. The critically acclaimed Tamil movie ''Vishwaroopam'' (2013), Kamal Hassan plays the role of a veteran R&AW operative during the war in Afghanistan. In the 2019 Telugu movie Goodachari, Adivi Sesh plays a fresh recruit to the agency.

In television series, Epic TV in ''Adrishya'', a documentary show dedicated to India's legendary spies broadcast the biography of Ravindra Kaushik, R&AW's most celebrated spy. In another episode India's current NSA, former R&AW agent Ajit Doval's story was featured.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Watch Adrishya Onilne {{!}} Episode 6 Ravindra Kaushik {{!}} EPIC ON |url=https://www.epicon.in/tv-shows/adrishya/season-1/e6-ravindra-kaushik |access-date=2023-10-02 |website=www.epicon.in |language=en |archive-date=3 October 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231003233050/https://www.epicon.in/tv-shows/adrishya/season-1/e6-ravindra-kaushik |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Citation |title=Adrishya – Ajit Doval {{!}} Full Episode {{!}} Indian Spy Master {{!}} Operation Black Thunder {{!}} EPIC | date=27 July 2022 |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M1UN3UYzuaw |access-date=2023-10-02 |language=en |archive-date=17 March 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230317170135/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M1UN3UYzuaw |url-status=live }}</ref> ''2612'', which used to air on Life OK, featured Cabir Maira as a R&AW agent Anand Swami who helps an STF officer Randeep Rathore to save the country from a terrorist attack. ''Time Bomb 9/11'', a series aired on Zee TV, featured Rajeev Khandelwal in the role of a R&AW field officer. Zee Bangla featured a serial named ''Mohona'' where the chief protagonist is a R&AW officer. The Indian version of ''24'' has a host of characters affiliated with R&AW.

In web series, ''Special Ops'' released on Hotstar has Kay Kay Menon in the role of a seasoned R&AW officer and his task force chasing a terror mastermind.<ref>{{Cite news|title=Neeraj Pandey to Helm Spy Thriller Web Series 'Special Ops'|url=https://www.news18.com/news/movies/neeraj-pandey-to-helm-spy-thriller-web-series-special-ops-2504913.html|work=News18|access-date=2026-01-26|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260104023754/https://www.news18.com/news/movies/neeraj-pandey-to-helm-spy-thriller-web-series-special-ops-2504913.html|archive-date=4 January 2026|language=en-US|url-status=live}}</ref> Set in the volatile 1970s, ''Saare Jahan Se Accha'' is a Netflix espionage thriller that follows a resilient Indian spy as he infiltrates Pakistan to sabotage its developing nuclear weapons program in a high-stakes battle of wits.<ref>{{cite web |title=Watch Saare Jahan Se Accha: The Silent Guardians |url=https://www.netflix.com/title/81281013 |website=Netflix |access-date=March 3, 2026}}</ref> Although not mentioned explicitly, R&AW serves as the backdrop for ''The Family Man'', featuring Manoj Bajpayee as an intelligence officer striving to thwart terrorist threats while managing a high-pressure job and a volatile domestic life.<ref>{{Cite news|title=Special Ops, The Family Man bridge the spy gap. They're office-going, not just gun-toting|url=https://theprint.in/feature/special-ops-the-family-man-bridge-the-spy-gap-theyre-office-going-not-just-gun-toting/2699652/|work=ThePrint|date=2025-07-23|access-date=2026-01-26|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250724110111/https://theprint.in/feature/special-ops-the-family-man-bridge-the-spy-gap-theyre-office-going-not-just-gun-toting/2699652/|archive-date=24 July 2025|language=en-US|first=Tina|last=Das|url-status=live}}</ref> The ''Sacred Games'' on Netflix has a R&AW agent played by Radhika Apte.<ref>{{Cite news|title=Sacred Games: Radhika Apte on playing a R&AW agent, the freedom that comes with a Netflix series|language=en-US|work=Firstpost|url=https://www.firstpost.com/entertainment/sacred-games-radhika-apte-on-playing-a-raw-agent-the-freedom-that-comes-with-a-netflix-series-4716311.html|access-date=2018-11-09|archive-date=9 November 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181109113644/https://www.firstpost.com/entertainment/sacred-games-radhika-apte-on-playing-a-raw-agent-the-freedom-that-comes-with-a-netflix-series-4716311.html|url-status=live}}</ref>

Some commentators have linked the surge of Indian films and TV series on espionage thriller genre, as a marker of ''Pax Indica,'' diverging from the older paradigms of pacifism associated with Gandhi and Nehru and on the motif of an increasingly assertive rising superpower.<ref>{{Cite news|title=Opinion: Opinion {{!}} When Hollywood Patriotism Wins Oscars, But Indian Films Get Called 'Propaganda'|url=https://www.ndtv.com/opinion/when-hollywood-patriotism-wins-oscars-but-indian-films-get-called-propaganda-10199025|work=www.ndtv.com|access-date=2026-01-26|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260110001351/https://www.ndtv.com/opinion/when-hollywood-patriotism-wins-oscars-but-indian-films-get-called-propaganda-10199025|archive-date=10 January 2026|language=en|url-status=live}}</ref>

==Notes== {{notelist}}

==References== {{Reflist}}

==Further reading== {{refbegin}} {{Div col}} *{{cite book |title=The Unending Game, A Former R&AW Chief' |first=Vikram |last=Sood |publisher=Penguin Viking |date=13 July 2018 |isbn=978-0670091508}}

* ''Inside RAW'', Ashok Raina, Vikas Publishing House, New Delhi, 1981 * ''[http://www.business-standard.com/article/beyond-business/lifting-the-sacred-veil-on-sikkim-114022501239_1.html Smash and grab: Annexation of Sikkim] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190107021037/https://www.business-standard.com/article/beyond-business/lifting-the-sacred-veil-on-sikkim-114022501239_1.html |date=7 January 2019 }}'', Sunanda K Datta-Ray, Tranquebar, 1984 * ''Open Secrets: India's Intelligence Unveiled'' – Maloy Krishna Dhar, New Delhi, Manas Publication, 2005 {{ISBN|81-7049-240-8}} * ''[https://www.amazon.com/dp/8170491487 Mission to Pakistan: An Intelligence Agent in Pakistan] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210410220631/http://www.amazon.com/dp/8170491487 |date=10 April 2021 }}'' Maloy Kri. Dhar, Manas Publication, 1 January 2002, {{ISBN|978-81-7049-148-4}} * ''Mission: Pakistan'', Maloy Krishna Dhar, iUniverse (January 2004), {{ISBN|978-0-595-30482-0}} * ''Fulcrum of Evil: ISI, CIA and Al qaeda Nexus'' – Maloy K Dhar, New Delhi, Manas Publication, 2006, {{ISBN|81-7049-278-5}}. * ''Sin of National conscience'' – R.N. Kulkarni, Mysore: Kritagnya Publication, 2004. * ''Intelligence: Past, Present, Future'' – B.R. Raman * ''Indians Hand Evidence on bin Laden to US'', Herald Sun, 17 September 2001. * ''The KaoBoys of RAW: Down Memory Lane'', B. Raman, Lancer Publishers (2007), {{ISBN|0-9796174-3-X}} * ''{{usurped|[https://web.archive.org/web/20081202111827/http://www.hinduonnet.com/thehindu/fline/fl2425/stories/20080104242507800.htm Inside IB and RAW: The Rolling stone that gathered moss]}}'', K. Sankaran Nayar, Manas Publication * ''RAW: Global and Regional Ambitions'' edited by Rashid Ahmad Khan and Muhammad Saleem, Islamabad Policy Research Institute, Asia Printers, Islamabad, 2005 * ''The Game Of Foxes: J-K Intelligence War'', Manoj Joshi, Times Of India, 16 July 1994 * ''Indian Spy Agency's Machinations'', Islamabad, The Muslim, 18 December 1996 p6 * ''[https://archive.today/20130408230430/http://www.dukandar.com/raw.html RAW: Research and Analysis Wing]'' – Tariq Ismail Sagar, Sagar Publication. See also: [https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/E-buyer_in_soup_for_Pak_writers_book/articleshow/1847954.cms E-buyer in soup for Pak writer's book on RAW]. Retrieved 27 July 2007. * ''Soft Target: How the Indian Intelligence Service Penetrated Canada'' – Zuhair Kashmeri and Brian McAndrew, Toronto: James Lorimer, 1989. * ''[http://vayu-sena.tripod.com/other-spies-in-the-himalayas.html Spies in the Himalayas: Secret Missions and Perilous Climbs.] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070807225727/http://vayu-sena.tripod.com/other-spies-in-the-himalayas.html |date=7 August 2007 }}'' – MS Kohli and Kenneth Conboy, Ed. KS Lawrence, University of Kansas Press, 2003. * ''[https://web.archive.org/web/20070305191908/http://intellit.muskingum.edu/othercountries_folder/india.html Intelligence: A Security Weapon]'', DC Pathak, New Delhi: Manas Publication, 2003. * ''[https://www.amazon.com/dp/9559519905 Indian intervention in Sri Lanka: The role of India's intelligence agencies] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210410220652/http://www.amazon.com/dp/9559519905 |date=10 April 2021 }}'', Rohan Gunaratna, South Asian Network on Conflict Research, 1993, {{ISBN|955-95199-0-5}} * ''India's External Intelligence: Secrets of Research and Analysis Wing (RAW)'', Maj. Gen. V.K Singh, Manas Publications, {{ISBN|81-7049-332-3}} * {{Cite book| last1 = Lerner | first1 = Brenda Wilmoth | title = Encyclopedia of espionage, intelligence, and security | year = 2004 | publisher = Thomson/Gale | location = Detroit | isbn = 0-7876-7687-X }} * ''[https://www.flickr.com/photos/21709881@N02/2211134333 Assignment Colombo] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160702093515/https://www.flickr.com/photos/21709881@N02/2211134333 |date=2 July 2016 }}'', J.N. Dixit, Konark Publishers Pvt. Ltd, Delhi, 1998. * ''Escape To Nowhere'', Amar Bhushan, Konark publishers, 2012, {{ISBN|9789322008109}} * ''[https://web.archive.org/web/20140407085530/http://manaspublications.in/product/mission-raw/ Mission R&AW]'', RK Yadav, Manas Publications, 2014, {{ISBN|9788170494744}} * ''[https://harpercollins.co.in/book/the-zero-cost-mission-the-wily-agent/ The Zero-Cost Mission/The Wily Agent] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180630185634/https://harpercollins.co.in/book/the-zero-cost-mission-the-wily-agent/ |date=30 June 2018 }}'', Amar Bhushan, HarperCollins (India), 2018. * ''The Spy Chronicles: RAW, ISI and the Illusion of Peace'', A.S. Daulat, Aditya Sinha and Asad Durrani, HarperCollins, 2018. {{Div col end}} {{refend}}

Category:Research & Analysis Wing Category:Indian intelligence agencies Category:India–Pakistan war of 1971 Category:Information sensitivity Category:Foreign intervention in the Sri Lankan civil war Category:1968 establishments in Delhi Category:Government agencies established in 1968