Research and Analysis Wing: Difference between revisions

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

| 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>

| 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>

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

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.

The [[premiership of Indira Gandhi|Indira Gandhi administration]] decided that a full-fledged second security service was needed. [[R. N. Kao]], then a deputy director of the Intelligence Bureau, submitted a blueprint for the new agency.<ref name="SunilSaini_RNKao">{{Cite news|url=http://www.bharat-rakshak.com/MONITOR/ISSUE4-5/sainis.html |title=Obituary:Rameshwar Nath Kao (1918–2002) |last=Sainis |first=Sunil |date=March–April 2002 |work=Volume 4(5) |publisher=Bharat Rakshak Monitor |access-date=28 September 2009 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090520170101/http://www.bharat-rakshak.com/MONITOR/ISSUE4-5/sainis.html |archive-date=20 May 2009 |df=dmy }}</ref> Kao was appointed as the chief of India's first foreign intelligence agency, the Research and Analysis Wing.<ref name="ijic">{{Cite journal |title= Unraveling India's Foreign Intelligence: The Origins and Evolution of the Research and Analysis Wing |last= Shaffer |first= Ryan |year= 2015 |volume= 28 |issue= 2 |journal= International Journal of Intelligence and CounterIntelligence |doi= 10.1080/08850607.2015.992754 |pages= 252–289 |s2cid= 154372472 |df= dmy-all }}</ref>{{rp|259}} The R&AW was given the responsibility for strategic external intelligence, human as well as technical, plus concurrent responsibility with the [[Directorate of Military Intelligence (India)|Directorate-General of Military Intelligence]] for tactical trans-border military intelligence up to a certain depth across the [[Line of control]] (LOC) and the [[India–Pakistan border|international border]].<ref name="FAsummary"/><ref name="Globalsecurity"/>

From its inception R&AW has been criticised for being an agency not answerable to the people of India (R&AW reports to Prime Minister only). Fears arose that it could turn into the [[KGB]] of India. Such fears were kept at bay by the R&AW's able leadership (although detractors of R&AW and especially the [[Janata Party]] have accused the agency of letting itself be used for terrorising and intimidating opposition during [[The Emergency (India)|the 1975–1977 Emergency]]). The main controversy which has plagued R&AW in recent years is over bureaucratisation of the system with allegations about favouritism in promotions, corruption, ego clashes, no financial accountability,<ref name="outlookindia.com"/> inter-departmental rivalry, etc.<ref>{{cite web |last=Watch |first=Naxal |url=http://intellibriefs.blogspot.com/2009/02/special-report-new-era-new-hope-at.html |title=IntelliBriefs: Special report: New Era, New Hope at India's Intelligence Agency |publisher=Intellibriefs.blogspot.com |date=15 February 2009 |access-date=4 March 2010 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100205090738/http://intellibriefs.blogspot.com/2009/02/special-report-new-era-new-hope-at.html |archive-date=5 February 2010 |df=dmy-all }}</ref><ref>C K Kutty. [http://us.rediff.com/news/2005/feb/02spec3.htm A RAW Hand] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100315153842/http://us.rediff.com/news/2005/feb/02spec3.htm |date=15 March 2010 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://in.rediff.com/news/2009/feb/02can-new-chief-turn-raw-around.htm |title=Can its new chief turn R&AW around?: Rediff.com news |work=Rediff.com |access-date=28 September 2009 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090518102120/http://in.rediff.com/news/2009/feb/02can-new-chief-turn-raw-around.htm |archive-date=18 May 2009 |df=dmy-all }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.tehelka.com/story_main50.asp?filename=Ws120911unintelligence.asp |title=India's Independent Weekly News Magazine |work=Tehelka |access-date=28 May 2012 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140814175215/http://www.tehelka.com/story_main50.asp?filename=Ws120911unintelligence.asp |archive-date=14 August 2014 |df=dmy-all }}</ref> R&AW also suffers from ethnic imbalances in the officer level.<ref>{{cite journal|last1=Singh|first1=Brijesh|title=Why Intel Agencies are wary of Hiring Muslims and Sikhs|journal=Tehelka|date=13 September 2014|volume=11|issue=37|url=http://www.tehelka.com/the-bias-against-minorities-in-intelligence-recruitments/|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140814175215/http://www.tehelka.com/the-bias-against-minorities-in-intelligence-recruitments/|archive-date=14 August 2014|df=dmy-all|access-date=5 September 2022}}</ref> Noted security analyst and former [[Additional Secretary to Government of India|Additional Secretary]] B. Raman has criticised the agency for its asymmetric growth; "while being strong in its capability for covert action it is weak in its capability for intelligence collection, analysis and assessment. Strong in low and medium-grade intelligence, weak in high-grade intelligence. Strong in [[TECHINT|technical intelligence]], weak in [[HUMINT|human intelligence]]. Strong in collation, weak in analysis. Strong in investigation, weak in prevention. Strong in crisis management, weak in crisis prevention."<ref>'The Kaoboys of RAW: Down Memory Lane', B. Raman, Lancer Publishers (2007), {{ISBN|0-9796174-3-X}}</ref>

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>

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

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"/>

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>

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>

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>

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 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>

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

In 1995, in [[Mizoram]] along the [[India–Myanmar 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>

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

Kahuta is the site of the Khan Research Laboratories (KRL), Pakistan's main nuclear weapons laboratory as well as an emerging centre for long-range missile development. The primary Pakistani missile-material production facility is located at [[Kahuta]], employing gas centrifuge enrichment technology to produce Highly Enriched [[Uranium]] (HEU). R&AW first confirmed Pakistan's nuclear programs by analysing the hair samples snatched from the floor of barber shops near KRL; which showed that Pakistan had developed the ability to enrich uranium to weapons-grade quality. R&AW operatives knew about [[Kahuta Research Laboratories]] from at least early 1978,<ref>{{cite book|author=Robert Hutchinson|title=Weapons of Mass Destruction|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=tluk-CiKERwC&pg=PT136|year=2003|publisher=Orion|isbn=978-1-78022-377-3|page=136|quote=In a stunning intelligence coup, India apparently first learned of Pakistan's programmed by analyzing the hair samples snatched from the floor of barber shops near the Pakistani nuclear research facility at Kahuta. India's external intelligence agency, the Research and Analysis Wing, sent the samples to New Delhi's BHABHA Atomic Research Center, which discovered clear indications from analysis of the hair, that Pakistan had developed the ability to enrich uranium to weapons-grade quality}}</ref> when the then Indian Prime Minister, [[Morarji Desai]], accidentally exposed R&AW's operations on [[Pakistan and weapons of mass destruction|Pakistan's covert nuclear weapons program]]. In an indiscreet moment in a telephone conversation one day, Morarji Desai informed the then Pakistan President, [[Muhammad Zia-ul-Haq|Zia-ul-Haq]], that India was aware of Pakistan's nuclear weapons program. According to later reports, acting on this "tip-off", Pakistan's ISI and army eliminated most of R&AW's assets in and around Kahuta.<ref name="Federation of American Scientists"/><ref name="Globalsecurity"/><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.rediff.com/news/2003/sep/08spec.htm |title=RAW & MOSSAD: The Secret Link |work=Rediff.com |date=8 September 2003 |access-date=28 September 2009 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090912075501/http://www.rediff.com/news/2003/sep/08spec.htm |archive-date=12 September 2009 |df=dmy-all }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |author=John Pike |url=http://www.globalsecurity.org/wmd/world/pakistan/kahuta.htm |title=Kahuta Khan Research Laboratories |publisher=Global-security.org |access-date=28 September 2009 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090214062418/http://www.globalsecurity.org/wmd/world/pakistan/kahuta.htm |archive-date=14 February 2009 |df=dmy-all }}</ref><ref>According to 18–24 September 1988 issue of the weekly Indian Magazine Sunday</ref>

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>

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

On 1 March 2022, One of the hijackers of [[Indian Airlines Flight 814|Flight IC 814]] flight, Zahoor Mistry, was killed by two bike-borne assailants in Karachi. It was Mistry who had killed one of the passengers, 25-year-old Rupin Katyal, on the flight. It is widely believed he was assassinated by R&AW.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.indianexpress.com/article/india/ic-814-hijacker-zahoor-mistry-killed-in-pakistan-7809422/lite/|title= IC 814 hijacker Zahoor Mistry killed in Pakistan, Masood Azhar's brother attends funeral: Reports|date= 9 March 2022|access-date=9 March 2022|publisher=The 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 2019, R&AW was also able to infiltrate Chinese [[People's Liberation Army|PLA]] [[Military communications|communication]] to their attache to Sri Lanka. It was because of this that Post of Chinese defence attache was vacant for nearly 8-9 months, as attache was called back after Chinese had learned of this infiltration.

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"/>

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>

* 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>

| N. F. Suntook

! scope="col"| Plot synopsis and highlights

| colspan="4" |

| [[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.

| [[Salman Khan]] plays the titular role of an accomplished R&AW field officer who falls in love with an ISI agent played by [[Katrina Kaif]] and both desert their agencies. It was alleged that the film is inspired by the life of [[Ravindra Kaushik]],<ref>{{cite news|last=Singh|first=Dalip|date=30 December 2002|title=Frontpage|work=The Telegraph|location=Calcutta, India|url=http://www.telegraphindia.com/1021230/asp/frontpage/story_1526967.asp|url-status=live|access-date=18 September 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130106060308/http://www.telegraphindia.com/1021230/asp/frontpage/story_1526967.asp|archive-date=6 January 2013|df=dmy-all}}</ref> a deep penetration agent of R&AW.<ref>{{cite web|date=28 July 2012|title=Dead RAW agent's nephew takes Salman's Ek Tha Tiger producers to court|url=http://www.indiatvnews.com/entertainment/bollywood/raw-agent-nephew-takes-salman-ek-tha-tiger-producers-court--4729.html|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120919034833/http://www.indiatvnews.com/entertainment/bollywood/raw-agent-nephew-takes-salman-ek-tha-tiger-producers-court--4729.html|archive-date=19 September 2012|access-date=18 September 2012|publisher=Indiatvnews.com|df=dmy-all}}</ref> The film is the [[List of highest-grossing Bollywood films|one of the highest-grossing Bollywood films]] of all time.

|''[[Thandavam (2012 film)|Thandavam]]''

| [[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>

| 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>

| 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>

|''[[Bell Bottom (2021 film) | Bell Bottom]]''