Research and Analysis Wing: Difference between revisions

{{Use dmy dates|date=August 2022}}

| agency_name     = Research and Analysis Wing

| motto           = धर्मो रक्षति रक्षितः {{small|([[Sanskrit]])}}<br>{{transl|sa|ISO|[[Dharma|Dharmō]] [[Raksha (Vedic)|Rakṣati Rakṣitaḥ]]}} <small>([[ISO 15919|ISO]])</small><br>{{trans|"Law protects, When it is protected"}}<ref>{{cite book | last1=Jha |first1=Ganganatha |title=Manusmriti with the Commentary of Medhatithi |date=1920 | publisher=Motilal Banarsidass |isbn=8120811550 |edition=1999 | url=https://www.wisdomlib.org/hinduism/book/manusmriti-with-the-commentary-of-medhatithi/d/doc200908.html |access-date=25 December 2019 |chapter=Constitution of the Court of Justice}}</ref>

| seal_size       =  

| seal_caption   = [[Insignia]] of the Research and Analysis Wing

| formed         = {{Start date and age|df=yes|1968|9|21}}

| headquarters   = CGO Complex, [[New Delhi]], [[India]]<ref>{{cite web |title=Again RAW officer under cloud, IB searches his office, seals computer | url=http://archive.indianexpress.com/news/again-raw-officer-under-cloud-ib-searches-his-office-seals-computer/6659/ |website=[[The Indian Express]] |access-date=23 July 2018 |language=en-gb |date=June 17, 2022}}</ref>

| budget         = Classified<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.globalsecurity.org/intell/world/india/raw.htm|title=Research and Analysis Wing [RAW] - India Intelligence Agencies|website=www.globalsecurity.org}}</ref>

| employees       = Classified

| chief1_name     = [[Samant Goel]]

| parent_agency   = [[Cabinet Secretariat of India|Cabinet Secretariat]]

| child1_agency   = [[Electronics and Technical Services|Electronics and Technical Services (ETS)]]

| child2_agency   = [[Aviation Research Centre]]

| child3_agency   = [[Special Group (India)|Special Group]]

| child4_agency   =  

| child5_agency   = Radio Research centre

| child6_agency   =  

| logo           = RAW India.jpg

| jurisdiction   =  

| chief2_name     =  

| chief3_name     =  

| chief4_name     =  

| chief5_name     =  

| chief6_name     =  

| chief7_name     =  

| chief8_name     =  

| chief9_name     =  

| website         =  

| minister1_name = [[Narendra Modi]]

| minister1_pfo   = [[Prime Minister of India]]

| type           = Wing

The '''Research and Analysis Wing''' (abbreviated '''R&AW'''; {{lang-hi|{{transl|hi|IAST|अनुसंधान और विश्लेषण विंग}}}}) is the [[intelligence agency|foreign intelligence agency]] of [[India]]. The agency's primary function is gathering foreign [[intelligence (information gathering)|intelligence]], [[counter-terrorism]], [[counter-proliferation]], advising Indian policymakers, and advancing India's foreign strategic interests.<ref name="FAsummary">{{cite news|url=http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_gx5211/is_2004/ai_n19126352/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100306003114/http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_gx5211/is_2004/ai_n19126352/ |url-status=dead |archive-date=6 March 2010 |title=B-Net:Reference Publications:India, Intelligence and Security:Encyclopedia of Espionage, Intelligence, and Security (2004)|publisher=Findarticles.com |date=2 June 2009 |access-date=11 October 2022}}</ref><ref name="Federation of American Scientists">{{cite web|url=https://fas.org/irp/world/india/raw/index.html |title=Federation of American Scientists |publisher=Fas.org |access-date=11 October 2009 |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 |df=dmy }}</ref><ref name="Globalsecurity">{{cite web |author=John Pike |url=http://www.globalsecurity.org/intell/world/india/raw.htm |title=Global Security |publisher=Global Security |access-date=11 October 2009 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140814175215/http://www.globalsecurity.org/intell/world/india/raw.htm |archive-date=14 August 2014 |df=dmy-all }}</ref> It is also involved in the security of [[India and weapons of mass destruction|India's nuclear programme]].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.cfr.org/india/raw-indias-external-intelligence-agency/p17707 |title=RAW: India's External Intelligence Agency |publisher=Council on Foreign Relations |access-date=2 July 2012 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120707032714/http://www.cfr.org/india/raw-indias-external-intelligence-agency/p17707 |archive-date=7 July 2012 |df=dmy-all }}</ref><ref name="Federation of American Scientists"/>

During the nine-year tenure of its first Secretary, [[Rameshwar Nath Kao]], R&AW quickly came to prominence in the global intelligence community, playing a role in major events such as [[Sikkim|accession of the state of Sikkim]] to India.<ref>{{cite news | url=http://www.telegraphindia.com/1070815/asp/opinion/story_8195501.asp | location=Calcutta, India | work=The Telegraph | first=Jyoti | last=Malhotra | title=What's the score on India's covert operations | date=15 August 2007 | url-status=live | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120410230845/http://www.telegraphindia.com/1070815/asp/opinion/story_8195501.asp | archive-date=10 April 2012 | df=dmy-all }}</ref> Headquartered in [[New Delhi]], R&AW's current chief is [[Samant Goel]].<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/balakot-strategist-samant-goel-is-new-raw-chief-kashmir-expert-arvind-kumar-ib-director-1556415-2019-06-26|title=Balakot strategist Samant Goel is new RAW chief, Kashmir expert Arvind Kumar IB director

|date=2019-06-26|newspaper=India Today|access-date=2019-06-26}}</ref> The head of R&AW is designated as the [[Secretary to Government of India|Secretary]] (Research) in the [[Cabinet Secretariat of India|Cabinet Secretariat]], and is under the authority of the Prime Minister of India without parliamentary oversight. On an administrative basis, the Director reports to the [[Cabinet Secretary (India)|Cabinet Secretary]], who reports to the [[Prime Minister of India|Prime Minister]].

===Background (1923–69)===

Prior to the inception of the Research and Analysis Wing, overseas intelligence collection was primarily the responsibility of the [[Intelligence Bureau (India)|Intelligence Bureau]] (IB), which was created by the [[British raj|British Raj]]. 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 (information gathering)|intelligence]] along India's borders.

In 1947, after [[History of India#The Indian independence movement|independence]], Sanjeevi Pillai took over as the first Indian Director of the IB. Having been depleted of trained manpower by the exit of the British after [[Indian Independence Act 1947|Indian independence]], Pillai tried to run the bureau on [[MI5]] lines. In 1949, Pillai organised a small foreign intelligence operation, but the Indian debacle in the [[Sino-Indian War]] of 1962 showed it to be ineffective. Foreign intelligence failure during the 1962 Sino-Indian War led then-Prime Minister [[Jawaharlal Nehru]] to order a dedicated foreign intelligence agency to be established.<ref name="FAsummary"/><ref name="Globalsecurity"/> After the [[Indo-Pakistani war of 1965]], the Chief of Army Staff, General [[Joyanto Nath Chaudhuri]], also called for more intelligence-gathering.<ref name="FAsummary"/><ref name="Federation of American Scientists"/> Around the end of 1966 the concept of a separate foreign intelligence agency began to take concrete shape.

===Formation of R&AW in 1968 to present===

 

R&AW started as a wing of the main Intelligence Bureau with 250 employees and an annual budget of {{INRConvert|20|m|1}}. In the early seventies, its annual budget had risen to {{INRConvert|300|m|1}} while its personnel numbered several thousand. In 2007, the budget of R&AW is speculated to be as high as {{USD}}150&nbsp;million<ref>[http://www.time.com/time/magazine/article/0,9171,501020506-234000,00.html India vs. Pakistan] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071013112338/http://www.time.com/time/magazine/article/0%2C9171%2C501020506-234000%2C00.html |date=13 October 2007 }}{{Retrieved|access-date=11 April 2022}}.</ref><ref name="Federation of American Scientists"/> to as low as {{USD}}100&nbsp;million.<ref name="brasseys_international_intelligence_yearbook_2003_edition">{{Cite book | last1 = Henderson | first1 = Robert W. | title = Brassey's International Intelligence Yearbook: 2003 Edition (Brassey's International Intelligence Yearbook (Paperback)) | publisher = Brassey's Inc | isbn = 978-1-57488-550-7 | page = 78 | url = https://books.google.com/books?id=NEp9FjHckLYC | url-status = live | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20160108060646/https://books.google.com/books?id=NEp9FjHckLYC | archive-date = 8 January 2016 | df = dmy-all | year = 2003 }}</ref>

Slowly other child agencies such as the Radio Research Center and the [[Electronics and Technical Services|Electronics & Tech. Services]] were added to R&AW in the 1970s and 1990s. In 1971, Kao had persuaded the Government to set up the [[Aviation Research Centre]] (ARC). The ARC's job was [[aerial reconnaissance]].<ref>{{cite news|url=http://newindianexpress.com/thesundaystandard/Intelligence-agencies-run-into-babu-bind/2013/04/28/article1564632.ece1|title=Intelligence agencies run into babu bind|last=Yadav|first=Yatish|date=28 April 2013|work=The Sunday Standard|access-date=21 May 2013|location=New Delhi|url-status=live|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|df=dmy-all}}</ref><ref>{{cite book|author1=Kenneth J. Conboy|author2=James Morrison|title=The CIA's Secret War in Tibet|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=hsDtAAAAMAAJ|year=2002|publisher=University Press of Kansas|isbn=978-0-7006-1159-1|pages=188–195}}</ref> It replaced the [[Indian Air Force]]'s old reconnaissance aircraft, and by the mid-1970s, R&AW, through the ARC, had high quality aerial pictures of the installations along the [[Line of Actual Control|Chinese]] and Pakistani borders.  In the 1970s, the [[Special Frontier Force]] moved to R&AW's control, working to [[Mukti Bahini|train Bengali rebels]].<ref name="ijic"/>{{rp|262}} In 1977, R&AW's operations and staff were dramatically cut under the [[premiership of Morarji Desai]], which hurt the organization's capabilities<ref>{{Cite journal | last1 =  Shaffer| first1 = Ryan| title = Significant Distrust and Drastic Cuts: The Indian Government's Uneasy Relationship with Intelligence | doi = 10.1080/08850607.2017.1263529 | journal = International Journal of Intelligence and CounterIntelligence | volume = 30 | issue = 3 | pages = 522–531  | year = 2017 | s2cid = 157714194}}</ref> with the shutting of entire sections of R&AW, like its Information Division.<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> These cuts were reduced following Gandhi's return. In 2004 Government of India added yet another signal intelligence agency called the [[National Technical Facilities Organisation]] (NTFO), which was later renamed as National Technical Research Organisation (NTRO). While the exact nature of the operations conducted by NTRO is classified, it is believed that it deals with research on [[Image analysis|imagery]] and communications using various platforms.<ref name="FAsummary"/><ref name="Federation of American Scientists"/>

[[File:Research&analysisWING.jpg|thumb|Research and Analysis Wing Headquarter ]]

==Structure and organisation==

R&AW has been organised on the lines of the [[CIA]].<ref name="isi">{{Cite book | last1 = Krishna Dhar | first1 = Maloy | title = Fulcrum of evil: ISI, CIA, Qaeda nexus | date =  2006-01-01| publisher = Manas Publications | isbn = 978-81-7049-278-8 | url = https://books.google.com/books?id=TMG3xLZ89f8C | url-status = live | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20160108060646/https://books.google.com/books?id=TMG3xLZ89f8C | archive-date = 8 January 2016 | df = dmy-all }}</ref> The head of R&AW is designated [[Secretary to Government of India|Secretary]] (R) in the [[Cabinet Secretariat of India|Cabinet Secretariat]]. Most of the previous chiefs have been experts on either Pakistan or China.<ref name="A RAW hand: Rediff.com news">{{cite web |url=http://inhome.rediff.com/news/2005/feb/02spec3.htm?zcc=rl |title=A RAW hand: Rediff.com news |work=Rediff.com |access-date=28 September 2009 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091231144319/http://inhome.rediff.com/news/2005/feb/02spec3.htm?zcc=rl |archive-date=31 December 2009 |df=dmy-all }}</ref> They also have the benefit of training in either the USA or the UK, and more recently in [[Israel]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.saag.org/papers11/paper1005.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071013095752/http://www.saag.org/papers11/paper1005.html|url-status=dead|title=The new Indian Govt. & national security: Part V & last|archive-date=13 October 2022}}</ref> The [[Secretary to Government of India|Secretary]] (R), is under the direct command of the Prime Minister, and reports on an administrative basis to the [[Cabinet Secretary (India)|Cabinet Secretary]], who reports to the Prime Minister. Moreover, the [[National Security Adviser (India)|National Security Adviser]] is also regularly briefed by the [[Secretary to Government of India|Secretary]] (R). Reporting to the [[Secretary to Government of India|Secretary]] (R) are:<ref name="Federation of American Scientists"/>

The [[Joint Intelligence Committee (India)|Joint Intelligence Committee]] (JIC), under the [[Cabinet Secretariat of India|Cabinet Secretariat]], is responsible for coordinating and analysing intelligence activities between R&AW, the Intelligence Bureau and the [[Defence Intelligence Agency (India)|Defence Intelligence Agency]] (DIA). In practice, however, the effectiveness of the JIC has been varied.<ref>{{Cite book | last1 = Dixit | first1 = J. N. (Jyotindra Nath) | title = My South Block years: memoirs of a foreign secretary | year = 1996 | publisher = UBS Publishers' Distributors | location = New Delhi | isbn = 978-81-7476-132-3 | page = 418 | url = https://books.google.com/books?id=6lFuAAAAMAAJ | url-status = live | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20160108060646/https://books.google.com/books?id=6lFuAAAAMAAJ | archive-date = 8 January 2016 | df = dmy-all }}</ref> With the establishment of the [[National Security Council (India)|National Security Council]] in 1999, the role of the JIC has been merged with the NSC. R&AW's legal status is unusual, in that it is not an "Agency", but a "Wing" of the [[Cabinet Secretariat of India|Cabinet Secretariat]]. Hence, R&AW is not answerable to the [[Parliament of India]] on any issue, which keeps it out of reach of the ''[[Right to Information Act]]''.<ref>[http://www.helplinelaw.com/docs/main.php3?id=RTON1 Dept. Right to Information] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070314232914/http://www.helplinelaw.com/docs/main.php3?id=RTON1 |date=14 March 2007 }} which are excluded</ref><{{efn|However notwithstanding that they are exempt from the Right to Information Act, Research and Analysis Wing (R&AW) has conveyed, in response to an RTI petition filed by Anuj Dhar, that they are not holding any information on [[Subhas Chandra Bose]] [http://www.missionnetaji.org/page/raw_rti.html RAW says no info on Netaji, but the slip shows].<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.missionnetaji.org/page/raw_rti.html |title=:::MISSION NETAJI::: R&AW; says no info on Netaji, but the slip shows |access-date=14 February 2007 |archive-date=15 March 2007 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070315190628/http://www.missionnetaji.org/page/raw_rti.html |url-status=bot: unknown }}</ref>}} This exemption was granted through Section 24 read with Schedule II of the act.<ref name="Section 24 in The Right To Information Act, 2005">{{cite web|title=Section 24 in The Right To Information Act, 2005|url=http://www.indiankanoon.org/doc/1767825/|publisher=indiankanoon.org|access-date=2 July 2012|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120613065350/http://indiankanoon.org/doc/1767825/|archive-date=13 June 2012|df=dmy-all}}</ref> However, information regarding the allegations of corruption and human rights violations has to be disclosed.<ref name="Section 24 in The Right To Information Act, 2005"/><ref name="Reveal Case Details of Sex Abuse, Graft: CIC to RAW">{{cite news|title=Reveal Case Details of Sex Abuse, Graft: CIC to RAW |url=http://news.outlookindia.com/items.aspx?artid=767441 |access-date=2 July 2012 |date=2 July 2012 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130502223919/http://news.outlookindia.com/items.aspx?artid=767441 |archive-date=2 May 2013 }}</ref>

===Field formations===

R&AW has 10 field formations all over India, known as Special Bureaus. These Bureaus have a area of responsibility targeted towards the countries that share land [[Borders of India|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>

! Equivalent rank in R&AW

Initially, R&AW relied primarily on trained [[intelligence (information gathering)|intelligence]] officers who were recruited directly. These belonged to the external wing of the [[Intelligence Bureau (India)|Intelligence Bureau]]. Candidates are mostly recruited from the [[Indian Police Service|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 in appointments,<ref>{{cite book|last=IDSA|title=A case for intelligence reforms in India|url=http://www.idsa.in/system/files/book_IntellegenceReform.pdf|year=2012|publisher=IDSA|isbn=978-93-82169-03-1|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131013204746/http://idsa.in/system/files/book_IntellegenceReform.pdf|archive-date=13 October 2013|df=dmy-all}}</ref> in 1983 R&AW created its own service cadre, the Research and Analysis Service (RAS) to absorb talent from other Group A Civil Services, under the Central Staffing Scheme.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.idsa.in/askanexpert/HowaboutawebsiteforRAWandcanwerecruitmorepeoplefromoutsideUPSCroute |title=Bharath asked: How about a website for R&AW and can we recruit more people from outside UPSC route? we got to change &#124; Institute for Defence Studies and Analyses |publisher=Idsa.in |access-date=28 May 2012 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120418162522/http://www.idsa.in/askanexpert/HowaboutawebsiteforRAWandcanwerecruitmorepeoplefromoutsideUPSCroute |archive-date=18 April 2012 |df=dmy-all }}</ref> Direct recruitment at Class I executive level is from Civil services officers undergoing Foundation course at [[Lal Bahadur Shastri National Academy of Administration]]. At the end of the course, it conducts a campus interview. Based on a selection of psychological tests and the interview, candidates are inducted for a lien period of one year. During this period, they have an option of rejoining their parent service (if they wish to) after which they can be permanently absorbed into the Research and Analysis Service. 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 [[Union Public Service Commission|UPSC examinations]] were offered jobs.<ref name="outlookindia.com">{{cite web |url=http://outlookindia.com/article.aspx?270538 |title=Ghosts Who Walk &#124; Saikat Datta |publisher=Outlookindia.com |access-date=28 May 2012 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120407172251/http://www.outlookindia.com/article.aspx?270538 |archive-date=7 April 2012 |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 2022}}</ref> The Civil and Defence Service Officers permanently resign their cadre and join the RAS.<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> 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 |url=http://www.rediff.com/news/2006/aug/27raw.htm |title=Soon, a beefier, meaner, deadlier RAW |work=Rediff.com |access-date=28 September 2009 |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 |df=dmy-all }}</ref> Most of the [[Secretary to Government of India|secretaries]] have been officers from the [[Indian Police Service|IPS]] and other posts are held by [[Indian Revenue Service|IRS]] and [[Indian Foreign Service|IFS]] officers. R&AW also employs a number of linguists and other experts in various fields.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.tribuneindia.com/2002/20020618/edu.htm |title=Career Queries Hotline: I want to join RAW. How should I go about it? |work=The Tribune |access-date=28 September 2009 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091203091159/http://www.tribuneindia.com/2002/20020618/edu.htm |archive-date=3 December 2009 |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|url=http://www.indiankanoon.org/doc/58327933/|title=Vinod Kumar Jain vs Union of India on 5 March, 2009|publisher=indiankanoon.org|access-date=25 March 2016|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304122131/http://indiankanoon.org/doc/58327933/|archive-date=4 March 2016|df=dmy-all}}</ref>

Basic training commences with '[[pep talk]]s' to boost the morale of the new recruit. This is a ten-day phase in which the inductee is familiarised with the real world of intelligence and [[espionage]], as opposed to the spies of fiction. Common usages, [[tradecraft]] techniques and [[Classified information|classification of information]] are taught. Financial and [[economic analysis]], [[space technology]], [[information security]], [[energy security]] and [[scientific knowledge]] is imbibed to the trainees. The recruit is made to specialise in a foreign language and introduced to [[Geopolitics|Geostrategic analysis]]. Case studies of other agencies like [[CIA]], [[KGB]], [[Inter-Services Intelligence|ISI]], [[Mossad]] and [[Secret Intelligence Service|MI6]] are presented for study. The inductee is also taught that intelligence organisations do not identify who is friend and who is foe, the country's [[foreign policy]] does. Basic classroom training in tactics and language are imparted to R&AW officers at the residential Training and Language Institute in [[Gurgaon]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.headlinesindia.com/defence-news/army/raw-officer-attempts-suicide-outside-pmo-531.html |title=RAW officer attempts suicide at PMO |publisher=Headlinesindia.com |access-date=28 September 2009 |url-status=dead |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 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.defencejournal.com/feb-mar99/raw-at-war.htm |title=Raw at War-Genesis of Secret Agencies in Ancient India |publisher=Defencejournal.com |access-date=28 September 2009 |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 |df=dmy-all }}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://indianexpress.com/article/india/india-others/to-bridge-language-gap-raw-ropes-in-native-linguists-as-gurus/|title=To bridge language gap, R&AW ropes in native linguists as 'gurus'|last=Sarin|first=Ritu|date=4 February 2014|work=The Indian Express|access-date=23 February 2014|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|df=dmy-all}}</ref> A multi-disciplinary [[R&AW School of Economic Intelligence, Mumbai|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 etc.<ref>{{cite news | url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/Soon-training-school-for-secret-agents-in-Mumbai/articleshow/9253591.cms | work=The Times of India | title=Soon, training school for secret agents in Mumbai | date=17 July 2011 | 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 | df=dmy-all }}</ref>

After completing 'Basic Training' the recruit is now attached to a Field Intelligence Bureau (FIB). Their training here lasts for 1–2 years. They are given firsthand experience of what it was to be out in the [[Cold War espionage|figurative cold]], conducting [[clandestine operation]]s. During night exercises under realistic conditions, they are taught [[infiltration tactics|infiltration]] and [[exfil]]tration. They are also instructed to avoid capture and if caught, how to face [[interrogation]]. They will learn the art of [[reconnoitre]], making contacts, and, the [[Espionage#Technology and techniques|numerous skills of operating an intelligence mission]]. At the end of the [[field training]], the new recruit is brought back to the school for final polishing. Before their deployment in the field, they will be given exhaustive training in the art of [[self-defence]] mainly [[Krav Maga]], and the use of technical espionage devices. They are also drilled in various administrative disciplines so that they could take their place in the foreign missions without arousing suspicion. They are now ready to operate under the cover of an Embassy to gather information, set up their own network of informers, [[mole (espionage)|moles]] or operatives as the task may require. Field and arms training is provided in the [[Indian Military Academy]] Headquarters at [[Dehradun]].<ref name="Globalsecurity"/><ref>"Open Secrets: India's Intelligence Unveiled"- Maloy Krishna Dhar. He was the joint director of IB.</ref> The training model has been criticised as being 'archaic and too police-centric' and not incorporating 'modern technological advances in methods of communication' etc.

R&AW has a severe shortage of employees. The number of personnel in 2013 was estimated to be 5,000 personnel. This represents a staff deficit of 40% below sanctioned strength. In 2013, the Hindu reported the organization was short on management level staff by 130 and in specialized areas like technology there was also a huge shortage. In number of [[Cryptanalysis|cryptanalysts]], it was short by approximately 33%. V. Balachandran.”<ref name="lownumber">{{cite news |title=Five years after 26/11, Intelligence services still crippled by staff shortage |url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/five-years-after-2611-intelligence-services-still-crippled-by-staff-shortage/article5391698.ece |work=The Hindu |date=November 26, 2022}}</ref>

The primary mission of R&AW includes intelligence collection via [[HUMINT]], [[psychological warfare]], [[subversion (politics)|subversion]], [[sabotage]].<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.dnaindia.com/india/1868769/report-why-does-india-dither-on-bringing-dawood-to-justice|title=Why does India dither on bringing Dawood to justice?|last=Balakrishnan|first=S|date=2 August 2013|work=DNA|access-date=19 August 2013|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130824045926/http://www.dnaindia.com/india/1868769/report-why-does-india-dither-on-bringing-dawood-to-justice|archive-date=24 August 2013|df=dmy-all}}</ref> R&AW maintains active liaison with other agencies and services in various countries. Those agencies include [[Foreign Intelligence Service (Russia)|SVR]] of Russia, Afghanistan's [[National Directorate of Security|NDS]], Israel's [[Mossad]], Germany's [[Federal Intelligence Service|BND]], the [[CIA]] and [[MI6]] have been well-known, a common interest being Pakistan's [[Pakistan and weapons of mass destruction|nuclear programme]].<ref>{{cite news|url=http://indiatoday.intoday.in/story/disproportionate-case-mossad-r-k--yadav-anand-kumar-verma/1/258012.html|title=A House for Mossad|last=Unnithan|first=Sandeep|date=25 March 2013|work=India Today|access-date=19 August 2013|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130817025432/http://indiatoday.intoday.in/story/disproportionate-case-mossad-r-k--yadav-anand-kumar-verma/1/258012.html|archive-date=17 August 2013|df=dmy-all}}</ref>

===Stations abroad===

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 Ministry of External Affairs has been unstable because they "inhabit different worlds" according to the Times of India.

==Operations and activities==

R&AW was one of the primary agency that provided the information about [[Ravi Pujari]], being located in Senegal. This information was then provided to Senegalese authorities, that arrested and deported him to India. He was formally arrested at [[Kempegowda International Airport]] by [[Karnataka Police]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/on-the-run-for-over-20-years-how-a-special-squad-tracked-down-pujari/story-KJP5PGsHZQEQpR9ZK7tsTN_amp.html|title=How a special squad caught gangster Ravi Pujari|date=March 2020|access-date=1 March 2020|publisher=Hindustan Times}}</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|url=http://www.frontlineonnet.com/fl1919/19190600.htm |title=India and Central Asia |publisher=Frontlineonnet.com |access-date=28 September 2009 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081202171947/http://www.frontlineonnet.com/fl1919/19190600.htm |archive-date= 2 December 2008 |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 [[War in Afghanistan (2001–present)|2001 Afghan war]].<ref name="farkhor"/><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.janes.com/security/international_security/news/jir/jir010315_1_n.shtml |title=India joins anti-Taliban coalition – Jane's Security News |publisher=Janes.com |date=15 March 2001 |access-date=28 September 2009| 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 2022}}</ref>

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After the [[United States invasion of Afghanistan#Overthrow of the Taliban|Overthrow of Taliban in Afghanistan]] in 2001, R&AW was the first intelligence agency to determine the extent of the [[Airlift of Evil|Kunduz airlift]].<ref>{{cite news|last1=Hersh|first1=Seymour|title=The Getaway|url=http://www.newyorker.com/archive/2002/01/28/020128fa_FACT?currentPage=all|access-date=17 July 2014|magazine=The New Yorker|date=28 January 2002|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|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}}</ref>

In 2017, R&AW undertook [[Counterterrorism|counter-terrorism]] operation, described as “unprecedented in its scale and scope”, foiled a major terrorist attack by an [[Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant – Khorasan Province|Islamic State - Khorasan]] [[Suicide attack|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|url=https://www.indianexpress.com/article/india/indian-intelligence-infiltrated-is-ring-to-track-arrest-afghan-suicide-bomber-sent-to-hit-delhi-5254357/lite/|title=Indian intelligence infiltrated Islamic State ring to track, arrest Afghan suicide bomber sent to hit Delhi|access-date=11 July 2018|publisher=Indian Express}}</ref>

In November–December 2019, a special [[Extraction (military)|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|url=https://www.sundayguardianlive.com/news/agencies-rescue-indians-abducted-afghan|title=Agencies rescue Indians abducted in Afghan|date=4 January 2020|access-date= 4 January 2020|publisher=Sunday Guardian}}</ref>

In 2020, 10 [[Ministry of State Security (China)|MSS]] Operatives from Xinjiang State Security Department (XSSD) were arrested in&nbsp;[[Kabul]]&nbsp;by&nbsp;[[National Directorate of Security|NDS]]. During Questioning, one of operative told the interrogators that they were gathering information about&nbsp;al-Qaeda,&nbsp;Taliban&nbsp;and&nbsp;[[Turkistan Islamic Party]]&nbsp;in [[Kunar Province|Kunar]] and [[Badakhshan province]]s, and wanted to assassinate high-level members of [[Turkistan Islamic Party|TIP]]. This [[Counter-Intelligence|counter-intelligence]] operation was undertaken based on a Tip-off by R&AW.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://thediplomat.com/2021/02/did-china-build-a-spy-network-in-kabul/|title=Did China Build a Spy Network in Kabul?|first=Ezzatullah|last=Mehrdad|website=thediplomat.com}}</ref>

In the early 1970s, the [[Pakistan Army|army of Pakistan]] launched [[Operation Searchlight|military crackdown]] in response to the [[Bangladesh Liberation War|Bangladesh independence movement]].<ref>{{Banglapedia|Operation_Searchlight|Operation Searchlight}}</ref> Nearly 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. It is also alleged that R&AW planned and executed the [[1971 Indian Airlines hijacking]] as a [[false flag]] operation to ban overflight by Pakistani aircraft and disrupt Pakistani troop movement in [[East Pakistan]].<ref name="Globalsecurity" /> [[Special Frontier Force]], then under R&AW actively participated in military operations especially in the [[Chittagong Hill Tracts]].<ref>{{cite news | url=http://www.thehindu.com/opinion/lead/indias-secret-war-in-bangladesh/article2747538.ece | location=Chennai, India | work=The Hindu | first=Praveen | last=Swami | title=India's secret war in Bangladesh | date=26 December 2011 | 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 | df=dmy-all }}</ref> After the war ended in the successful creation of Bangladesh. However, four years later [[Sheikh Mujibur Rahman]] was assassinated on 15 August 1975 at his residence.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/before-his-assassination-there-was-an-attempt-on-mujibs-life/article4611312.ece|title=Before his assassination, there was an attempt on Mujib's life|author=R. K. Radhakrishnan|newspaper=The Hindu|access-date=25 March 2016|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|df=dmy-all|date=13 April 2022}}</ref> R&AW operatives claimed that they had advance information about [[Assassination of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman|Mujibur Rahman's assassination]] but Sheikh Mujib tragically ignored inputs.<ref name="SunilSaini_RNKao" /> 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 1991, after [[Khaleda Zia]] had won 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 setup several terror training camps located along the border. So in order to stop all 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|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|title=R&AW covert ops dismantled Jamaat-e-Islami terror camps in 1992, reveals spymaster Amar Bhushan in book|date=30 June 2018 |access-date=30 June 2018|publisher=First post}}</ref>

In 1977–97, India took active part in [[Chittagong Hill Tracts conflict]]. R&AW trained and financed the rebels of [[Shanti Bahini]].<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 |newspaper=The New York Times}}</ref><ref name="academia.edu">{{cite journal|url=https://www.academia.edu/2504753|title=Bangladesh: A Critical Review of the Chittagong Hill Tract (CHT) Peace Accord|author=A. Kabir|journal=Working Paper No 2. The Role of Parliaments in Conflict & Post Conflict in Asia|date=January 2005|access-date=8 March 2022}}</ref>

an operation involving informants in [[Australia]], [[New Zealand]] and [[UK]] to successfully oust him from power.<ref name="Fiji">{{cite news |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 |access-date=20 June 2021 |work=Indian Express |publisher=Indian Express Group |date=August 2, 2022}}</ref>

In August 1991, R&AW undertook a [[Surveillance#Methods|physical surveillance]] and tracking operation of Indian nationals from [[Jammu and Kashmir (state)|Jammu and Kashmir]] that were taking weapons training in [[Qom]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.sundayguardianlive.com/news/ex-raw-officers-want-pm-act-hamid-ansaris-anti-national-acts|title=Ex-R&AW officers want PM to act against Hamid Ansari's 'anti-national' acts|date=6 July 2019|access-date=9 July 2019|publisher=Sunday Guardian}}</ref>

In 2020, R&AW had foiled a terrorist plot by a [[Rohingya people|Rohingya]] cell based in Malaysia.

In 2018–19, R&AW undertook many operations that crippled [[Inter-Services Intelligence|ISI]] and [[Ministry of State Security (China)|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}}</ref>

In 1995, in [[Mizoram]] along the [[India–Myanmar barrier|India–Myanmar border]], the [[III Corps (India)|57th Mountain Division]] of the [[Indian Army]] carried out the [[Operation Golden Bird]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2007/mar/23/20070323-103215-4113r/?page=all|title=India seen arming Burma to counter Chinese|work=The Washington Times}}</ref> The operation was launched because R&AW had provided information that a huge consignment of arms for northern eastern 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 Chishi Swu|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 intercepts insurgents messages. On 5 April 1995, the 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 2022}}</ref>

In 2015, R&AW and [[Directorate of Military Intelligence (India)|Military Intelligence of Indian Army]] provided the intelligence support to [[Para (Special Forces)|21 Para (SF)]], for their [[2015 Indian counter-insurgency operation in Myanmar|counter-insurgency operation in Myanmar]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.scroll.in/article/733855/why-the-modi-government-decided-to-deliberately-leak-information-about-the-myanmar-strikes|title=Why the Modi government decided to deliberately leak information about the Myanmar strikes|access-date=12 June 2015|publisher=Scroll}}</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=2016-03-24 |title='RAW officer' arrested in Balochistan |url=http://www.dawn.com/news/1247665 |access-date=2022-04-05 |website=DAWN.COM |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.news18.com/amp/news/india/vanished-pakistan-officer-was-on-a-sensitive-isi-mission-to-nepal-1372013.html|title=Vanished' Pakistan Officer Was on a 'Sensitive' ISI Mission to Nepal |access-date=12 April 2017|publisher=CNN-News18}}</ref>

During the late 1960s, R&AW had infiltrated the highest levels of Pakistani military and political leadership. It even had a [[Mole (espionage)|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 3rd, thus starting [[Indo-Pakistani War of 1971|the Indo-Pakistani War of 1971]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://m.bdnews24.com/amp/en/detail/bangladesh/147067|title=Mole and careless Pak army ensured early victory in 1971'|access-date=6 August 2007|publisher=BDnews24}}</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|url=http://www.time.com/time/asia/covers/501050711/story2.html |magazine=Time |title=War at the Top of the World |date=7 November 2005 |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 |df=dmy }}</ref> This information was shared with Indian Army which soon launched [[Operation Meghdoot]] to take control of Siachen Glacier with around 300<ref name="time"/> acclimatised troops were airlifted to Siachen before Pakistan could launch any operation resulting in Indian head start and 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|url=http://www.newsline.com.pk/NewsJul2007/bookmarkjuly.htm |title=The 'Jihad' Against India |publisher=Newsline.com.pk |access-date=28 September 2009| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20071202125431/http://www.newsline.com.pk/NewsJul2007/bookmarkjuly.htm| archive-date = 2 December 2022}}</ref> and the second at [[Khalistan]]i groups.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.firstpost.com/india/sarabjit-singh-and-the-spies-india-left-out-in-the-cold-734703.html|title=Sarabjit Singh, and the spies India left out in the cold|author=Praveen Swami|date=28 April 2013|work=First Post|access-date=28 April 2013|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|df=dmy-all}}</ref> [[Rabinder Singh (intelligence officer)|Rabinder Singh]], the R&AW officer who later [[defection|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 [[Inter-Services Intelligence|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>{{cite web |url=http://www.hinduonnet.com/fline/fl2219/stories/20050923004503000.htm |title=Covert contestation |publisher=Hinduonnet.com |date=12 March 1972 |access-date=28 September 2009 |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 |df=dmy-all }}</ref> As per [[Bahukutumbi Raman|B Raman]] a former R&AW [[Additional Secretary to Government of India|Additional Secretary]], these covert groups were successful in keeping a check on [[Inter-Services Intelligence|ISI]] and were "responsible for ending the Khalistani insurgency".<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.hinduonnet.com/fline/fl2219/stories/20050923004503000.htm|title=Covert contestation|publisher=hinduonnet.com|access-date=25 March 2016|url-status=usurped|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100811061637/http://www.hinduonnet.com/fline/fl2219/stories/20050923004503000.htm|archive-date=11 August 2010|df=dmy-all}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.outlookindia.com/article.aspx?264366|title=Under Cover of Deniability|work=News report|access-date=25 March 2016|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130502201825/http://www.outlookindia.com/article.aspx?264366|archive-date=2 May 2013|df=dmy-all}}</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>[http://www.mcclatchydc.com/homepage/story/57012.html India's lack of preparedness raised Mumbai death toll] {{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>[https://www.rand.org/pubs/occasional_papers/2009/RAND_OP249.pdf Lessons of Mumbai] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121004044642/http://www.rand.org/pubs/occasional_papers/2009/RAND_OP249.pdf |date=4 October 2012 }}, Rand Corporation, p19</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|url=http://www.virsanghvi.com/CounterPoint-ArticleDetail.aspx?ID=474|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100427083702/http://www.virsanghvi.com/CounterPoint-ArticleDetail.aspx?ID=474|url-status=dead|title=Virsanghvi.com|archive-date=27 April 2022}}</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|url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/archive-news/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100426101803/http://www.hindustantimes.com/Why-politicians-won-t-get-off-the-line/H1-Article1-535365.aspx|url-status=dead|title=Hindustan Times - Archive News|archive-date=26 April 2010|website=Hindustan Times}}</ref>

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 Abu Jundal, Habibur Rahman, Sabeel Ahmed, Muhammed Gulnawaz etc. have been deported and arrested in India.<ref>{{cite web|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_amp.html|title=Of 24 terror suspects turned in by Gulf countries to India since 2012, 18 are from UAE and Saudi|date=24 August 2018|publisher=Hindustan Times}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://m.timesofindia.com/city/thiruvananthapuram/terror-case-accused-deported-from-saudi-held-from-airport/amp_articleshow/78241881.cms|title=Terror case accused deported from Saudi, held from airport|date=22 September 2020|publisher=Times Of India}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.indianexpress.com/article/india/deported-from-saudi-let-terror-recruiter-held-by-nia-6575605/lite/|title=Deported from Saudi, LeT 'terror recruiter' held by NIA|date=30 August 2020|publisher=Indian Express}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.indianexpress.com/article/india/india-news-india/abu-jundal-aurangabad-arms-haul-case-life-imprisonment-2949408/lite/|title=Abu Jundal, 6 others sentenced to life imprisonment in 2006 Aurangabad arms haul case|date=2 August 2016|publisher=Indian Express}}</ref>

In the late 1980s, R&AW allegedly started funding and training [[LTTE]] 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 &#124; 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 2022}} which had helped Pakistan in the [[Indo-Pakistani wars and conflicts|Indo-Pak War]] by allowing Pakistani ships to refuel at Sri Lankan ports. However, when LTTE created a lot of problems and complications for India, R&AW 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 [[Jaffna University Helidrop|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.<ref name="Globalsecurity"/>

In 2010, R&AW carried out a snatch operation in Sri Lanka, in which a top [[HuJI]] militant Sheikh Abdul Khawaja &ndash; 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 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 [[Directorate of Military Intelligence (India)|M.I.]], as a base of operations for all their activities directed to Afghanistan like covert paramilitary operations and [[Human intelligence (intelligence gathering)|HUMINT]] gathering. The airbase was also used by [[Aviation Research Centre]] and [[Directorate of Air Intelligence|DAI]], to provide aerial reconnaissance to Northern Alliance.<ref name="farkhor"/>

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=ANI|url=https://www.livemint.com/news/india/khalistani-terrorists-planning-to-kill-a-farmer-leader-intelligence-agencies/amp-11613547238202.html|title=Khalistani terrorists from Belgium, UK planning to kill a farmer leader: intelligence agencies|date=17 February 2021|access-date=17 February 2021|publisher=Mint}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|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/|access-date=2021-12-24|website=ANI News|language=en}}</ref>

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|url=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|title=Trial of 'R&AW Agent' in German Court Casts Spotlight on India's Secret War Against Khalistan Terror in Europe|access-date=19 May 2019|publisher=News18}}</ref>

The latest [[surveillance]] operation was undertaken in 2019, with target being Gurmeet Singh Bagga, co-leader of the [[Khalistan Zindabad Force]] and a fugitive wanted for the [[Khalistan Zindabad Force#Status|Punjab drone Arms drop Case]].<ref name="auto1"/>

 

Since then, it has undertaken hundreds of operations, directed towards [[Clandestine cell system|Sleeper cells]]/[[Espionage § Agents in espionage|operative]]s of Pakistan-based Islamic and Khalistani militant organizations.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.firstpost.com/world/italy-the-latest-isi-outpost-6010711.html/amp|title=Italy: The latest ISI outpost|publisher=First Post|access-date=1 February 2022}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.outlookindia.com/magazine/amp/sikh-extremists-in-canada-the-uk-and-italy-are-working-with-isi-or-independently/299753|title=Sikh Extremists In Canada, The UK And Italy Are Working With ISI Or Independently|access-date=1 February 2018|publisher=Outlook}}</ref> It has also aggressively recruited agents inside Pro-Khalistan circles all across Italy<ref name="auto1"/>

Since the suppression and defeat of [[Insurgency in Punjab|Khalistani insurgency]] in 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&nbsp;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|url=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|title=Know all about the 2 prominent 'Khalistani extremists' who led anti-India rally in London amid farmers' protest in India|date=9 December 2020|publisher=India Today}}</ref><ref name="auto1"/><ref name="The New Indian Express"/>

Kanishka Bombing case: On 23 June 1985 Air India's [[Air India Flight 182|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 [[Babbar Khalsa|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>[https://web.archive.org/web/20061004011415/http://www.ctv.ca/servlet/ArticleNews/story/CTVNews/20060925/airindia_inquiry_060925/20060925?hub=TopStories Air India witness describes impact of wife's death]. Last visited on 12 September 2007</ref><ref>[http://www.cbc.ca/news/background/airindia Air India In depth]. Canadian Broadcasting Corporation. {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060810064513/http://www.cbc.ca/news/background/airindia |date=10 August 2006 }}</ref>

Canada has long being accused by India  for being a safe haven for khalistani separatists.<ref>{{cite news|title=Canada, UK remain safe havens for Khalistani terrorists, says expert|newspaper=Business Standard India|url=https://www.business-standard.com/article-amp/news-ani/canada-uk-remain-safe-havens-for-khalistani-terrorists-says-expert-119071601004_1.html|date=19 July 2019|publisher=Business Standard}}</ref>

In July 2020, Canada had put two Sikh men under No-fly list after [[Canadian Security Intelligence Service]] had gotten information, that both were going travel to Pakistan and carry out a [[Inter-Services Intelligence|ISI]]-backed terrorist attack inside India. One of the separatists was identified as the son of [[Lakhbir Singh Rode]], a well known Khalistani terrorist.<ref>{{cite web|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_amp.html|date=10 July 2020|publisher=Hindustan Times}}</ref>

===Corruption cases===

* In the edition of 8 February 2010 ''[[Outlook (Indian magazine)|Outlook Magazine]]'' reported on former R&AW Chief, [[Ashok Chaturvedi]], using [[Government of India]] funds to take his wife along on international trips. After retirement, Chaturvedi had a diplomatic passport issued for himself and his wife. Per ''Outlook Magazine'': "Only grade 'A' ambassadors—usually IFS officers posted in key countries like the UK and US—are allowed to hold diplomatic passports after retirement. The majority, who do not fit that bill, hold passports issued to ordinary citizens. In fact, all former R&AW chiefs Outlook spoke to confirmed they had surrendered their diplomatic passports the day they retired. And their spouses weren't entitled to diplomatic passports even while they were in service."<ref>Outlook reports on RAW corruption: [http://outlookindia.com/article.aspx?264027 Outlookindia.com] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100204075311/http://www.outlookindia.com/article.aspx?264027 |date=4 February 2010 }}</ref>

* In September 2007, R&AW was involved in a [[Ashok Chaturvedi#The V.K. Singh Book Dispute|controversy]] due to a high-profile [[Central Bureau of Investigation|CBI]] raid at the residence of [[Major general|Major General]] (retired) V K Singh, a retired [[Joint Secretary to Government of India|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>Singh VK. India's External Intelligence: Secrets of Research and Analysis Wing (RAW). New Delhi: Manas Publications. Pg 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 [[Indian Prime Minister's Office|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>Singh VK. India's External Intelligence: Secrets of Research and Analysis Wing (RAW). New Delhi: Manas Publications. Pg 12</ref> A case under the [[Official Secrets Act (India)|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 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 [[Secretariat Building, New Delhi|Prime Minister's Office]], alleging inaction and wrong findings to a [[sexual harassment]] complaint filed against a [[Joint Secretary to Government of India|Joint Secretary]], who was on deputation to R&AW.<ref>{{cite web|author=RAW officer attempts suicide near PMO |url=http://www.ndtv.com/convergence/ndtv/story.aspx?id=NEWEN20080062175 |title=RAW officer attempts suicide near PMO |publisher=NDTV.com |date=19 August 2008 |access-date=28 September 2009 |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 |df=dmy }}</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 }}</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 }}</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 }}</ref> On 20 January 2011 she was sent for psychological evaluation<ref>{{cite news | url=http://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=http://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|last1=Correspondent|first1=Legal|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>

* A senior technical officer was arrested by [[Central Bureau of Investigation|CBI]] on graft charges, on 4 February 2009. The scientist, a Director level employee, worked in the division that granted export licenses to companies dealing in "sensitive" items, including defence-related equipment. He 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 Secretary to Government of India|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 &#124; 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>

===Defections and spy scandals===

* In the early 1980s, K.V. Unnikrishnan, a 1962 batch IPS officer, who was posted at R&AW station in Colombo was honey-trapped by CIA. Between 1985 and 1987 when he was deputed as the station chief at Chennai, coordinating Sri Lanka operations, 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 counter-intelligence 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|url=http://www.indianexpress.com/news/such-a-long-lankan-journey/1167330/0|title=Such a long Lankan journey|last=Gupta|first=Shekhar|date=11 September 2013|work=The Indian Express|access-date=11 September 2013|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|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|url=http://www.janes.com/security/international_security/news/jid/jid040701_1_n.shtml |title=India's CIA spy scandal |publisher=Janes.com |date=11 September 2001 |access-date=28 September 2009| 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 2022}}</ref> [[Rabinder Singh (intelligence officer)|Rabinder Singh]], [[Joint Secretary to Government of India|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 very long time. Soon he was confronted by Counter Intelligence officials on 19 April 2004. Despite all precautions, 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 Counter Intelligence and Security, [[Intelligence Bureau (India)|Intelligence Bureau (IB)]] and R&AW.<ref>C K Kutty. [http://in.rediff.com/news/2005/feb/04spec1.htm Did the CIA help Rabinder Singh flee?] {{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 name="Globalsecurity"/><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|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|access-date=6 April 2014|newspaper=The New Indian Express|url-status=live|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|df=dmy-all}}</ref>

* In 2007, there was a spy scandal involving [[Bangladesh]].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://newsrack.in/DisplayNewsItem.do;jsessionid=12C267E943FFA098F3EF22DDAB5D0D83?ni=12.6.2007%2F390.ht.india%2Fni1.redir.aspx_ID%3D0d7300bc-67d0-4611-9eee-6713d46e0630 |title=Bangladeshi worked for RAW for 6 years- Hindustan Times |publisher=Newsrack.in |access-date=28 September 2009 |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 |df=dmy-all }}</ref> A Bangladeshi [[Directorate General of Forces Intelligence|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>

* On 25 March 2016, Pakistan claimed that they arrested a R&AW operative by the name of [[Kulbhushan Jadhav]] who was operating in [[Balochistan, Pakistan|Balochistan]] province under the covername [[Hussain Mubarak Patel]]. Pakistan claimed that he was carrying a passport under that fake identity and used to operate a jewellery shop in [[Chahbahar]], Iran. He is believed to be a serving commander-ranked officer in [[Indian Navy]].<ref name="tribune">{{cite web | url=http://tribune.com.pk/story/1073072/caught-in-balochistan-new-delhi-admits-spy-served-in-indian-navy/ | title=New Delhi admits spy served in Indian Navy | work=The Express Tribune | date=26 March 2016 | access-date=26 March 2016 | url-status=live | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160326043309/http://tribune.com.pk/story/1073072/caught-in-balochistan-new-delhi-admits-spy-served-in-indian-navy/ | archive-date=26 March 2016 | df=dmy-all }}</ref><ref name="dawn2">{{cite web | url=http://www.dawn.com/news/1247850/india-accepts-spy-as-former-navy-officer-denies-having-links | title=India accepts 'spy' as former navy officer, denies having links | publisher=DAWN | date=25 March 2016 | access-date=26 March 2016 | author=Mateen Haider, Shakeel Qarar | url-status=live | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160326065950/http://www.dawn.com/news/1247850/india-accepts-spy-as-former-navy-officer-denies-having-links | archive-date=26 March 2016 | df=dmy-all }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.geo.tv/latest/102925-From-Kul-Bashan-Yadav-to-Mubarak-Patel-The-journey-of-a-RAW-agent|title=RAW agent reveals, more spies present to destabilize Pakistan|website=geo.tv|access-date=27 March 2016|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160329041148/http://www.geo.tv/latest/102925-From-Kul-Bashan-Yadav-to-Mubarak-Patel-The-journey-of-a-RAW-agent|archive-date=29 March 2016|df=dmy-all}}</ref> According to a section of Pakistani media, he was involved in terrorist incidents in [[Karachi]] and Balochistan, most notably the [[2015 Karachi bus shooting|terrorist attack on a bus]] full of Shia passengers in [[Safoora Goth]], Karachi.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://dunyanews.tv/en/Pakistan/329205-Dunya-News-reveals-undeniable-facts-about-arrested|title=Dunya News reveals undeniable facts about arrested RAW agent – Pakistan – Dunya News|work=dunyanews.tv|access-date=25 March 2016|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170516003833/http://dunyanews.tv/en/Pakistan/329205-Dunya-News-reveals-undeniable-facts-about-arrested|archive-date=16 May 2017|df=dmy-all}}</ref> However, [[Ministry of External Affairs (India)|Indian MEA]] said that though Jadhav was an Indian Navy officer who retired prematurely, but he has no link with the government.<ref name=":2">{{Cite web|url=http://zeenews.india.com/news/india/alleged-indian-spy-arrested-in-pakistan-is-ex-naval-officer-no-connection-to-govt-mea-tells-islamabad_1869157.html|title=Alleged 'Indian spy' arrested in Pakistan has no connection with govt: MEA to Islamabad|website=Zee News|date=25 March 2016 |access-date=26 March 2016|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160327141348/http://zeenews.india.com/news/india/alleged-indian-spy-arrested-in-pakistan-is-ex-naval-officer-no-connection-to-govt-mea-tells-islamabad_1869157.html|archive-date=27 March 2016|df=dmy-all}}</ref> 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|url=http://www.newindianexpress.com/nation/Iran-President-Dismisses-Pakistans-RAW-Spy-Claim/2016/03/27/article3348018.ece|title=Iran President Dismisses Pakistan's RAW Spy Claim|work=The New Indian Express|url-status=live|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|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 rumours.<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"/>

==List of R&AW Secretaries==

| Founder Director of RRC (Radio Research Centre), [[Electronics and Technical Services|ETS]]<br>• Executed [[Operation Lal Dora]]

| Negotiated with [[IC 814]] hijackers<ref>'Advani pressed for release of terrorist', ''Hindustan Times'', Saturday, 18 April 2009, Page 1</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.hinduonnet.com/fline/fl1702/17020040.htm |title=Kashmir After Kandahar |publisher=Hinduonnet.com |access-date=4 March 2010 |url-status=usurped |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100304192006/http://www.hinduonnet.com/fline/fl1702/17020040.htm |archive-date=4 March 2010 |df=dmy-all }}</ref><br>• Tenure marred by allegations of incompetence and mishandling.

|29 June 2019<ref>[https://pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=1575847 Approvals of the Appointments Committee of the Cabinet], Press Information Bureau, 26 June 2019, [https://web.archive.org/web/20210910061456/https://pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=1575847 archived copy]</ref>

|•Operation Sunrise<br>• [[2019 Balakot airstrike]]

|1 July 2019

| direction = horizontal

| image1 =  

| footer = [[Vikram Sood]], during the launch of his book ''[[The Unending Game]]''.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.orfonline.org/research/42748-book-launch-unending-game-former-raw-chief-insights-espionage/|title=Book launch {{!}} The Unending Game: A Former R&AW Chief's Insights into Espionage {{!}} ORF|work=ORF|access-date=2018-08-16|language=en-US}}</ref>

Nevertheless, there were films which refer to 'agents' and 'espionage', like ''Aankhen'' (1968, Ramanand Sagar Production, starring [[Dharmendra]], [[Mala Sinha]]),<ref>{{cite web|author=Peter Young|date=3 August 1979|title=Ankhen (1968)|url=https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0147811/|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160310060123/http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0147811/|archive-date=10 March 2016|access-date=25 March 2016|publisher=Internet Movie Database|df=dmy-all}}</ref> ''Prem Pujari'' starring [[Dev Anand]] in 1970, ''[[Hindustan Ki Kasam (1973 film)|Hindustan Ki Kasam]]'' (starring [[Raaj Kumar]], [[Priya Rajvansh]] in 1973) and ''[[Highway (1995 film)|Highway]]'' (starring [[Suresh Gopi]], [[Bhanupriya]]) including some modern films such as ''[[Romeo Akbar Walter]]'' in 2019. However, since the late 1990s and early 2000 the following [[Bollywood]] and [[Cinema of India#Regional industries|other regional]] films have openly mentioned R&AW and its allied units, with the intelligence agencies at the centre of the plot.

| [[Anil Sharma (director)|Anil Sharma]]

| [[Sunny Deol]] plays the role of a R&AW officer who almost single-handedly derails plans by Pakistan-based jihadi militants to get hold of a nuclear weapon in Canada.<ref>[http://www.smashits.com/index.cfm?Page=Reviews&Subpage=bigarticle&ID=2502 Hitting Pakistan is Bollywood's formula] as. Retrieved 4 April 2007 {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071011233229/http://www.smashits.com/index.cfm?Page=Reviews&Subpage=bigarticle&ID=2502|date=11 October 2022}}</ref> The film was third highest grosser of the year.

| In the original Tamil film [[Arjun Sarja]] plays the role of an undercover officer working to thwart ISI activities in India. The film was later dubbed in Telugu and titled ''Goodachari No. 1''.

| [[Arjun Rampal]], [[Irrfan Khan]] and [[Huma Qureshi]] play a R&AW snatch team in a fictitious operation to capture [[Dawood Ibrahim]] alive and bring back to India.

| [[John Abraham (actor)|John Abraham]] plays an Army officer absorbed into R&AW to head covert operations in [[Jaffna]] shortly after [[Indian Peace Keeping Force|Indian peace-keeping force]] was forced to withdraw.<ref>{{cite web|author=Udita Jhunjhunwala|date=5 August 2013|title=Madras Cafe courts controversy with Sri Lanka war references|url=http://www.livemint.com/Politics/x25ebvF5R0lDUFKUheVmwM/Bollywood-courts-controversy-with-Sri-Lankan-war-film.html|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130809060051/http://www.livemint.com/Politics/x25ebvF5R0lDUFKUheVmwM/Bollywood-courts-controversy-with-Sri-Lankan-war-film.html|archive-date=9 August 2013|access-date=18 August 2013|publisher=Livemint|df=dmy-all}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|date=12 July 2013|title='Madras Cafe' defines cinema I stand for: John Abraham|url=http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2013-07-12/news-interviews/40515365_1_john-abraham-madras-cafe-shoojit-sircar|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://archive.today/20130717084610/http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2013-07-12/news-interviews/40515365_1_john-abraham-madras-cafe-shoojit-sircar|archive-date=17 July 2013|work=[[The Times of India]]|access-date=15 July 2022}}</ref> As he journeys to Sri Lanka, with the intention of disrupting the LTF rebels, he becomes entangled in rebel and military politics and<ref name="autogenerated1">{{cite web|date=1 January 1970|title=Madras Cafe: Bollywood film stirs up a storm in India|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-india-23776412|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130824150105/http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-india-23776412|archive-date=24 August 2013|access-date=25 August 2013|publisher=BBC|df=dmy-all}}</ref> uncovers a conspiracy to assassinate "a former Indian prime minister" which he fails to prevent.<ref>{{cite web|date=11 July 2013|title=Madras CafÃ|url=http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2013-07-11/bollywood/40513212_1_john-abraham-viacom-indian-intelligence-agent|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://archive.today/20130717084627/http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2013-07-11/bollywood/40513212_1_john-abraham-viacom-indian-intelligence-agent|archive-date=17 July 2013|work=[[The Times of India]]|access-date=15 July 2022}}</ref>

| [[Akshay Kumar]] plays an action hero character partly inspired by [[Jack Bauer]] and the [[Mission: Impossible (film series)|''Mission impossible'' film series]]. He leads a covert operation team of an Indian intelligence agency and helps in abducting and exfiltration of a [[Hafiz Muhammad Saeed]]-esque target from [[Saudi Arabia]].<ref>{{cite web|last1=Dubey|first1=Bharati|title=No 'Baby' in Pakistan?|date=23 January 2015|url=http://www.mid-day.com/articles/no-baby-in-pakistan/15936186|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150123171425/http://www.mid-day.com/articles/no-baby-in-pakistan/15936186|archive-date=23 January 2015|access-date=23 January 2015|df=dmy-all}}</ref>

| [[Saif Ali Khan]] plays the role of a disgraced army officer trying to regain his honour and [[Katrina Kaif]] plays the role of a deep-cover R&AW officer. In the film, they are tasked by R&AW with 'out of the book' assassination of masterminds of the 26/11 attacks namely [[Hafiz Muhammad Saeed]] and [[Zaki ur Rehman Lakhvi]] in Pakistan and [[David Coleman Headley]] in a US prison. A spiritual sequel to ''[[Agent Vinod (2012 film)|Agent Vinod]]''.

| When multiple R&AW agents are killed in coordinated attacks around the world, [[John Abraham (actor)|John Abraham]] playing the role of a [[Mumbai Police]] officer is brought in to investigate the threat.  

|  It is a spin-off prequel to the 2015 film ''[[Baby (2015 Hindi film)|Baby]]'' with [[Taapsee Pannu]] reprising her role as Shabana. She is sent to kill Mikhail, an international arms dealer who has been on the radar of several intelligence agencies with the help of other R&AW agents, Ajay Singh ([[Akshay Kumar]]) and Om Prakash Shukla ([[Anupam Kher]]).  

| Theda Singh ([[Nandamuri Balakrishna]]) is an undercover R&AW Agent who tries to nab Bob Marley, a mafia don operating from [[Portugal]].

| Sequel to the 2012 film ''[[Ek Tha Tiger]]'', Salman Khan reprises his titular role as the R&AW officer, who is brought out of retirement to rescue Indian and Pakistani nurses held hostage by Islamic fighters (modeled on ISIS) in Iraq. The film became a major commercial success and one of the [[List of highest-grossing Indian films|highest-grossing Indian films]] of all time.

| The film is based on the book [[Calling Sehmat]], the real-life story of a R&AW officer, portrayed by [[Alia Bhatt]], who is married to a Pakistani military official.<ref>{{cite news|date=3 May 2008|title=That spy princess!|work=The Hindu|url=https://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-features/tp-metroplus/That-spy-princess/article15446864.ece|url-status=live|access-date=29 January 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180823204010/https://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-features/tp-metroplus/That-spy-princess/article15446864.ece|archive-date=23 August 2018|df=dmy-all}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|last=Faisal|first=Shah|date=27 May 2018|title=What a spy thriller teaches us about patriotism and empathy|work=[[The Times of India]]|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/home/sunday-times/all-that-matters/what-a-spy-thriller-teaches-us-about-patriotism-and-empathy/articleshow/64335499.cms?|access-date=29 January 2022}}</ref>

| A dramatised account of the [[2016 Indian Line of Control strike|2016 Uri attack's retaliation]] by India of which R&AW is a part.

|-

| The film stars [[John Abraham (actor)|John Abraham]] as a R&AW Agent. The movie is based on true events.<ref>{{cite news|date=26 January 2019|title=Romeo Akbar Walter is an original Indian espionage thriller: John Abraham|work=The Indian Express|url=https://indianexpress.com/article/entertainment/bollywood/john-abraham-romeo-akbar-walter-5556447/|access-date=11 March 2022}}</ref>

| An excommunicated R&AW agent Kabir Anand returns to a covert mission with analyst Isha and another sleeper agent Veer Singh to rescue four other R&AW agents captured in Balochistan.<ref>{{cite news|date=26 August 2019|title=Emraan Hashmi opens up on the making of Bard of Blood posters. Watch video|work=India Today|url=https://www.indiatoday.in/television/web-series/story/emraan-hashmi-opens-up-on-making-of-bard-of-blood-posters-watch-video-1591819-2019-08-26|access-date=27 August 2022}}</ref>

| [[Neeraj Pandey]] <br/> [[Shivam Nair]]

| A R&AW Officer, Himmat Singh is under investigation for financial misappropriation of funds meant for covert operations.  In the meanwhile, his network of agents is searching for a high level militant named Ikhlaq Khan.<ref>{{Cite magazine|author=Divyanshi Sharma |date=March 21, 2020 |title=Special Ops Review: An overly-stretched espionage thriller|url=https://www.indiatoday.in/television/web-series/story/special-ops-review-an-overly-stretched-espionage-thriller-1658100-2020-03-21|magazine=India Today}}</ref>

|R&AW agents in London investigate China's role in the pandemic and are close to a breakthrough when a ruthless mole appears in their midst.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Farzeen|first=Sana|date=2020-08-25|title=Purab Kohli and Mouni Roy starrer London Confidential to stream on ZEE5|url=https://indianexpress.com/article/entertainment/web-series/mouni-roy-purab-kohli-london-confidential-zee5-6569406/|access-date=2020-09-11|website=The Indian Express|language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|author=Scroll Staff|date=7 September 2020|title='London Confidential' trailer: Mouni Roy, Purab Kohli in spy thriller with a Chinese connection|url=https://scroll.in/reel/972443/london-confidential-trailer-mouni-roy-purab-kohli-in-spy-thriller-with-a-chinese-connection|access-date=2020-09-11|website=Scroll.in|language=en-US}}</ref> The sequel ''[[Lahore Confidential]]'' came out in 2021.<ref>{{Cite news|last=Khurana|first=Archika|date=4 February 2021|title=Lahore Confidential Review: An average espionage with a romantic twist|work=The Times of India Entertainment Times|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/web-series/reviews/hindi/lahore-confidential/ottmoviereview/80663861.cms|access-date=17 August 2021}}</ref>

|It revolves around an R&AW agent's crusade to rescue people held hostage in a shopping mall by terrorists.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2 April 2022 |title=Beast trailer: Vijay plays a killing machine in the action thriller, watch video |url=https://indianexpress.com/article/entertainment/tamil/beast-trailer-vijay-plays-a-killing-machine-in-the-action-thriller-watch-7849572 |access-date=2 April 2022 |website=[[The Indian Express]]}}</ref>

The [[Television in India|thriving entertainment]] channels in India have started to tap into the theme of Intelligence agencies. ''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 who attempts to defuse a nuclear bomb set in India, as well as saving the life of the Indian prime minister. [[Zee Bangla]] featured a serial named ''Mohona'' where the chief protagonist is a R&AW officer. ''Sajda Tere Pyar Mein'' a series on [[Star Plus]], features [[Shaleen Bhanot]] in the role of a R&AW officer who asks a young woman named Aliya for help in catching a spy named Mahendra Pratap. The Indian version of ''[[24 (Indian TV series)|24]]'' has a host of characters affiliated with R&AW. The 2018 web series ''[[Sacred Games (TV series)|Sacred Games]]'' has a R&AW agent played by [[Radhika Apte]].<ref>{{Cite news|title=Sacred Games: Radhika Apte on playing a RAW agent, the freedom that comes with a Netflix series- Entertainment News, Firstpost|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}}</ref> Foreign films which have actors playing R&AW agents include Pakistan-based-films such as ''[[Waar]]'' (2013).<ref>{{Cite web|last=Mondal|first=Sayantan|date=1 April 2017|title=Naam Madam X1: Before Shabana Khan, these female secret agents saved the country from peril|url=https://scroll.in/reel/833296/naam-madam-x1-before-shabana-khan-these-female-secret-agents-saved-the-country-from-peril|access-date=2021-08-29|website=Scroll.in|language=en-US}}</ref>

* ''{{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