What is the function of Indian intelligence agency RAW?

KAZI ABUL MONSUR#

The Research and Analysis Wing (RAW) is the primary foreign intelligence agency of India. It was established in 1968, after the 1962 Sino-Indian War and the 1965 India-Pakistan War, to provide India with a dedicated external intelligence agency to protect its national security interests.
RAW is headquartered in New Delhi and is headed by a Director who reports directly to the Prime Minister of India. Its primary focus is on the external security of India, and it is responsible for gathering intelligence information and conducting covert operations outside India’s borders.
RAW collects and analyzes information on foreign governments, organizations, and individuals who may pose a threat to India’s security. It uses a range of sources, including human intelligence (HUMINT), signal intelligence (SIGINT), and imagery intelligence (IMINT). RAW is responsible for identifying and countering terrorist threats to India’s national security. It works closely with other intelligence agencies and law enforcement agencies to prevent terrorist attacks. Conducts covert operations to gather information on foreign governments, organizations, and individuals who may pose a threat to India’s security. It also engages in covert operations to protect India’s national interests and to advance its foreign policy goals. RAW provides intelligence support to the Indian diplomatic corps in foreign countries. This includes gathering information on foreign governments and providing intelligence briefings to Indian diplomats.
RAW is known for its professionalism and operational capabilities. It has been involved in a number of high-profile operations over the years, including the acquisition of Pakistan’s plans for its nuclear program, the creation of the Mukti Bahini during the Bangladesh Liberation War, and the operation to rescue Indian hostages during the 1990 Gulf War. However, due to the secretive nature of its operations, very little is publicly known about its activities.
Due to the secretive nature of its operations, the Research and Analysis Wing (RAW) rarely publicly shares its successes. However, there have been a few instances where RAW’s successes have become known to the public.
Operation Chanakya. In the early 1970s, RAW successfully helped Bangladesh gain independence from Pakistan. RAW provided training, weapons, and intelligence support to the Mukti Bahini, a guerrilla force fighting for independence. This operation, known as Operation Chanakya, is considered one of RAW’s biggest successes. Operation Smiling Buddha, In 1974, RAW played a key role in India’s nuclear weapons program. RAW’s intelligence helped India plan and execute its first nuclear test, which was code-named Operation Smiling Buddha. The Kargil War, In 1999, RAW provided crucial intelligence support to the Indian Army during the Kargil War with Pakistan. RAW’s intelligence helped the Indian Army to identify the presence of Pakistani troops in the Kargil region, which allowed India to mount a successful counterattack. The 26/11 Mumbai Attacks, In 2008, RAW played a key role in the response to the terrorist attacks in Mumbai. RAW provided real-time intelligence to Indian security forces, which helped to minimize the damage caused by the attacks.
It’s worth noting that RAW’s successes are rarely publicly acknowledged, as the agency operates in secrecy and prefers to keep a low profile. However, these examples demonstrate that RAW has been successful in protecting India’s national security interests and advancing its foreign policy goals.
As India’s primary foreign intelligence agency, the Research and Analysis Wing (RAW) is tasked with gathering intelligence on a wide range of countries and organizations, including Pakistan and its Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) agency. RAW’s intelligence collection efforts are focused on identifying potential threats to India’s national security, as well as opportunities to advance India’s foreign policy goals.
RAW’s methods of monitoring Pakistan and the ISI include. RAW recruits and runs a network of agents in Pakistan to gather information on the ISI’s activities. These agents could be diplomats, businessmen, journalists, or other individuals with access to sensitive information. RAW also recruits and trains agents in other countries who can provide intelligence on Pakistan’s activities outside its borders. RAW intercepts and analyzes communications between the ISI and its operatives, both within Pakistan and abroad. This includes monitoring telephone conversations, emails, and other forms of electronic communication. RAW uses satellite imagery and other forms of visual intelligence to monitor Pakistan’s military and infrastructure installations. This includes tracking the movement of troops, monitoring the construction of military installations, and identifying potential targets for intelligence collection or military action. Open-source intelligence (OSINT), RAW also monitors Pakistan through publicly available sources, including news reports, social media, and other online sources. This can provide valuable information on the activities of the ISI and other Pakistani organizations.
It’s worth noting that RAW’s intelligence collection efforts are highly secretive, and very little information about its operations is publicly available. Additionally, monitoring Pakistan and the ISI is a complex and ongoing process, and requires constant adaptation and innovation to stay ahead of potential threats.
As India’s primary foreign intelligence agency, the Research and Analysis Wing (RAW) operates globally and may recruit individuals from outside India to gather intelligence and support its operations. RAW has a network of agents and informants in different countries, including in countries where India has strategic interests.
RAW’s recruitment of individuals outside India is typically done through a combination of personal contacts, professional networks, and targeted approaches to individuals with specific skill sets or access to sensitive information. RAW may also work with other intelligence agencies or local partners to identify potential recruits.
However, RAW’s recruitment of individuals outside India is subject to strict protocols and guidelines. RAW operates under the framework of the Intelligence Agencies (Restriction of Rights) Act, 1985, which outlines the legal basis and limitations of its activities.
It’s also important to note that RAW’s operations are highly secretive, and very little is known about the agency’s recruitment methods and activities outside India. However, it is reasonable to assume that as a foreign intelligence agency, RAW may recruit individuals from other countries to support its operations and gather intelligence.##