RAW: Research and Analysis Wing

Full Form of RAW

• RAW Full Form Research and Analysis Wing.
• RAW is India’s premier foreign intelligence agency, responsible for gathering external intelligence, conducting covert operations, and advising the government on foreign policy matters related to national security.

Key Functions of RAW:

1. Gathering External Intelligence:
   • RAW collects vital information from foreign sources to provide insights into global affairs.
   • Its network of agents, informants, and technical assets operates covertly to gather intelligence.
2. Covert Operations:
   • RAW conducts covert operations to protect India’s interests, counter threats, and neutralize adversaries.
   • These operations range from espionage to sabotage, carried out with utmost secrecy.
3. Advising Government on Foreign Policy:
   • RAW assists policymakers by analyzing intelligence data and providing strategic recommendations.
   • Its insights influence India’s foreign relations and security decisions.

History and Establishment

• RAW was established during the 1962 Indo-China War and the 1965 Indo-Pak War.
• Its inception followed foreign intelligence failures during the 1962 Sino-Indian War.
• The agency quickly gained prominence under its first Secretary, Rameshwar Nath Kao, playing a significant role in events like the accession of Sikkim to India in 1975.

Structure and Operations

• Headquarters: RAW is headquartered in New Delhi at the CGO Complex, Lodhi Road.
• Chief: The current chief of RAW is Ravi Sinha.
• Reporting Line: The head of RAW, designated as the Secretary (Research) in the Cabinet Secretariat, reports directly to the Prime Minister of India without parliamentary oversight.
• Functions:
  • Intelligence Gathering: RAW collects foreign intelligence critical for national security.
  • Counter-Terrorism: It plays a crucial role in countering terrorist threats.
  • Nuclear Program Security: RAW is involved in safeguarding India’s nuclear program.

RAW’s Activities

The RAW is involved in a wide range of activities, including:

• Gathering intelligence on foreign countries
• Conducting counter-terrorism operations
• Conducting counter-intelligence operations
• Protecting India’s interests abroad
• Promoting India’s image abroad

RAW’s Achievements

The RAW has achieved a number of successes over the years. It has foiled a number of terrorist plots and has helped to protect India’s interests abroad.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) about RAW

1. What does RAW stand for?
   • RAW stands for Research and Analysis Wing.
2. When was RAW established?
   • RAW was established during the Indo-China War (1962) and the Indo-Pak War (1965).
3. What are RAW’s primary functions?
   • RAW gathers external intelligence, conducts covert operations, and advises the government on foreign policy related to national security.