A New Chief in a Time of Challenge
India’s premier external intelligence agency, the Research and Analysis Wing (RAW), is entering a pivotal phase under new leadership. On June 28, the Modi government appointed Parag Jain, a 1989-batch IPS officer of the Punjab cadre, as RAW’s new Secretary. He will take over from outgoing chief Ravi Sinha on July 1, leading the agency for the next two years.
Regarded in intelligence circles as a “super sleuth,” Jain brings with him a rare blend of operational field experience, strategic foresight, and a reputation for integrating human intelligence (HUMINT) with technical intelligence (TECHINT). His rise comes at a critical moment for Indian intelligence, as regional volatility and global shifts demand sharper, faster responses.
The Architect of Operation Sindoor
Jain’s appointment gains added weight due to his role as one of the key architects behind Operation Sindoor—India’s precise military response to the Pahalgam terror attack in April. His intelligence planning played a vital role in enabling surgical missile strikes on terror camps in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK).
While the actual strike may have lasted minutes, Jain’s groundwork spanned years. Intelligence officials credit his deep network of informants and seamless coordination between HUMINT and TECHINT for the operation’s pinpoint accuracy and effectiveness. This operation, more than any other, showcased Jain's capacity for long-term strategic planning in high-risk environments.
Grounded in Field Expertise
Parag Jain’s credentials extend beyond operations. He has served in several of India’s most volatile regions, especially during periods of high insurgency. From Bhatinda and Mansa to his stint as DIG Ludhiana and SSP Chandigarh, Jain gained hands-on experience during Punjab’s turbulent post-militancy years.
Promoted to Director General of Police (DGP) in Punjab in 2021—albeit with only notional benefits due to central deputation—Jain continued to handle sensitive assignments. In Jammu and Kashmir, he was active during the abrogation of Article 370 and contributed during Operation Balakote, underscoring his long-standing familiarity with India’s border security and counterterrorism imperatives.
His foreign postings also reflect RAW’s trust in his capability. As India’s intelligence representative in Canada, Jain persistently warned New Delhi of the expanding Khalistani network—a threat that has since intensified. He also served in Sri Lanka, enhancing his understanding of regional dynamics.
Taking Charge Amid Mounting Security Risks
Jain assumes command at a moment when RAW faces criticism over lapses in intelligence foresight. The agency has been under scrutiny for failing to anticipate political turbulence in the Maldives and Bangladesh, as well as for missing early warning signs of the April 22 Pahalgam massacre—despite mounting signals, including provocative anti-Hindu statements from Pakistan Army chief Asim Munir.
With Munir now elevated to Field Marshal and prioritizing cross-border terrorism as a strategic tool, the challenge for RAW is no longer just tactical—it is existential. Jain’s leadership will be crucial in reshaping India's intelligence posture to counter Pakistan’s renewed aggression and rising global espionage threats.
Quiet Operative, Big Mandate
Parag Jain’s low-profile yet high-impact career makes him uniquely suited to helm RAW at this inflection point. His mastery of intelligence integration, field-tested resilience, and foresight in both domestic and international theatres make him a trusted hand in uncertain times.
As threats evolve and geopolitical pressures mount, Jain's success will depend not just on past achievements, but on how well he can reform, rebuild, and future-proof India’s intelligence architecture.
(With agency inputs)
