India's intelligence community enters a new chapter with the appointment of Parag Jain as the new Chief of the Research and Analysis Wing (RAW). Starting from 1 July 2025, Jain, a 1989-batch IPS officer from the Punjab cadre, takes charge of India's most secretive and powerful external intelligence agency. His selection is not only strategic but a strong message about India’s commitment to proactive and precision-based intelligence operations.
Who is Parag Jain?
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| Parag Jain as the new Chief of the Research and Analysis Wing (RAW). |
Parag Jain has over three decades of
experience in Indian policing and intelligence. During his IPS career, he has
held key positions in Punjab, worked in Jammu & Kashmir, and
led intelligence missions overseas in Sri Lanka and Canada. Known
as a "neighbourhood security expert", he has dealt with
cross-border threats, especially monitoring Khalistani networks in
foreign territories.
Jain is respected not just for his
leadership but for his hands-on involvement in field intelligence,
counter-terrorism, and strategic surveillance.
His
Role in Operation Sindoor
Parag Jain is widely recognized as
the mastermind behind Operation Sindoor, a landmark intelligence
operation carried out in May 2025. The mission targeted terrorist
infrastructure across the Pakistan border.
His work in Operation Sindoor earned him accolades from the defense and intelligence community and was likely a major reason behind his elevation to RAW chief.
Before taking charge of RAW, Jain
served as the head of the Aviation Research Centre (ARC), a highly
secretive wing of RAW that specializes in technical intelligence (TECHINT) and
aerial surveillance.
Under his leadership, ARC:
- Successfully integrated TECHINT and HUMINT
operations.
- Played a vital role in mapping terror launchpads,
tracking aircraft movements, and coordinating satellite
intelligence during cross-border operations.
- Modernized RAW’s surveillance capabilities with a focus
on real-time data.
Experience
in Counter-Terrorism & Border Strategy
Jain has an extensive background in counter-terror
operations in Punjab and Kashmir. He was deeply involved in intelligence
coordination during the abrogation of Article 370 in 2019, managing
high-risk intelligence flows at a time when the region was volatile and under
global watch.
His ability to remain composed under
pressure, take swift decisions, and think long-term has made him a trusted
figure in India’s security establishment.
Why
Parag Jain Was Chosen as RAW Chief
Parag Jain’s appointment was not
just routine—it was strategic. Here's why he was selected:
- ✅ Proven operational success (Operation
Sindoor).
- ✅ Strong regional and international exposure.
- ✅ Deep understanding of India’s enemies and global
threats.
- ✅ Balanced leadership in both fieldwork and
intelligence policy.
- ✅ Tech-savvy mindset aligned with modern warfare
and cyber intelligence.
With increasing threats from hostile
neighbors, terror networks, and digital espionage, India needs a leader who
blends old-school intelligence grit with modern technological insight.
Parag Jain fits that role perfectly.
Why
His Appointment Matters for India
India is currently facing:
- Cross-border terrorism
- Cyber threats and digital espionage
- Geopolitical pressure in the Indo-Pacific region
- Global surveillance competition
Under Jain’s leadership, RAW is
expected to:
- Expand its global intelligence network
- Enhance surveillance on anti-India elements abroad
- Strengthen partnerships with international spy agencies
(like CIA, Mossad, and MI6)
- Use artificial intelligence and data analytics for smart intelligence gathering
Conclusion
Parag Jain is not just a
bureaucratic appointment—he is a symbol of India’s intelligence
transformation. His deep knowledge, operational excellence, and calm
leadership style make him an ideal choice at a time when global and regional
threats are evolving rapidly.
With Jain leading the RAW, India is
poised to take a sharper, smarter, and more strategic approach to
external intelligence.
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