RAW

Source: Wikipedia

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Context

A 55-year-old man, who impersonated as an officer of R&AW, was arrested.

About RAW

• The Research and Analysis Wing commonly referred to as R&AW is the primary external intelligence agency of India.
• It is entrusted with the responsibility of maintaining national security through the collection of foreign intelligence, counter-terrorism measures, and covert operations.
• It also assures the security of India's nuclear programme and impediment the proliferation of nuclear weapons.
• Headquarters: New Delhi.

The Intelligence Bureau of India is the country's internal security and counterintelligence agency. It was created as Central Special Branch in 1887, reputed to be the oldest such organisation in the world.

History

• Before R&AW came into existence, IB used to handle all intelligence during British rule in India-both domestic and foreign.
• But the Sino-Indian War of 1962 exposed the weaknesses of the then existing intelligence apparatus.
• Therefore, R&AW was created in 1968 under the leadership of Rameshwar Nath Kao, then a Deputy Director of the IB.
• It also played an important role in accession of Sikkim in 1975.
• During Bangladesh Liberation War 1971, R&AW played an important role in the training and arming of Mukti Bahini.

Structure

Hierarchy:

• Secretary (Research) reports directly to the Prime Minister of India and the National Security Adviser (NSA) with no parliamentary oversight
• Additional Secretaries and Joint Secretaries
• Special Bureaus

Regional Desks:

• Area One – Pakistan
• Area Two - China and Southeast Asia
• Area Three - Middle East and Africa
• Area Four - other countries

Field Formations:

There are 10 Special Bureaus in India that create special focus on neighbouring countries with field officers abroad.

Recruitment:

It recruits its officers from the Armed Forces, IPS, and other civil services. 

Training:

Basic training at R&AW Academy on Intelligence gathering, Intelligence analysis, and field operations. Advanced Training: More special types of training include cyber intelligence, aerial reconnaissance, and Covert Operations.

Additional Agencies

• Aviation Research Centre was established for the development of aerial reconnaissance capability.
• Radio Research Centre focuses on signals intelligence and electronic warfare.
• Electronics and Technical Services handles technical intelligence and cyber operations.
• Special Frontier Force is a paramilitary unit that conducts covert operations.
• National Technical Research Organisation was established in 2004 to support R&AW with technical intelligence, including satellite imagery and communication monitoring.

Criticisms

• Since R&AW functions directly under the Prime Minister, this raises several questions about accountability and transparency in its function.
• Right since its very inception, the agency has faced charges on continuous political vendetta, corruption, and departmental rivalry.
• It has also been criticised for asymmetric growth-a strong in covert operations but remarkably weak in high-grade intelligence gathering and analysis.
• Past controversies-alleged misuse of the agency during the Emergency, for example-came up calling into question the role and functioning of the agency.

Current Developments

• R&AW has increasingly begun to concentrate on state-of-the-art intelligence methods, cyber espionage and satellite surveillance.
• From the rise of China to political turmoil in neighboring states, such as Afghanistan, R&AW is faced with new challenges.

Way Forward

• Constitute a parliamentary committee with security clearances to provide greater transparency without compromising operational secrecy on R&AW matters.
• HUMINT Strengthening: Better training and diversified expert recruitment, forging international relationships in the sphere of intelligence, will help in high-grade intelligence gathering.
• Invest in Technology: Increase investment in areas like emerging AI, cyber intelligence, and satellite reconnaissance that will help in enhancing real-time intelligence and counter new emerging threats.
• Retain silence during crisis times while allowing controlled leakage during peacetime to frame the story.
• Need-to-Know Public Engagements: Engage in social media and media literacy to build positive image and counter misinformation.

Sources:

Wikipedia

PRACTICE QUESTION Q: Research and Analysis Wing (R&AW) has been a key component of India's national security system since 1968. Discuss the evolution of R&AW in the context of India’s changing geopolitical landscape. Analyze the challenges faced by the agency in the contemporary era. (250 Words)