R&AW Completes 58 Years — India’s External Intelligence Agency
24 September 2026
PRERNA FOR IAS
Mehnat Aapki, Guidance Humari
Roz ki Prelims Practice — Experts ke Saath
R&AW Completes 58 Years — India’s External Intelligence Agency
Current Affairs Note
On 21 September 2026, India’s Research and Analysis Wing (R&AW) completed 58 years since its establishment in 1968. R&AW functions within the Cabinet Secretariat, which itself functions directly under the Prime Minister.
Background: Before 1968, the Intelligence Bureau (IB) handled both domestic and external intelligence. The experience of the 1962 India-China War and the 1965 India-Pakistan War strengthened the case for a specialised external intelligence organisation. R&AW was consequently created in 1968, with R. N. Kao as its founding chief.
Sign up free to read the full article
Free accounts include 5 articles every month across current affairs, state notes, subject notes and more — upgrade anytime for unlimited access.
R&AW completes 58 years as India's premier external intelligence agency. Learn about its establishment, role in national security, and evolution since 1968.
Keywords
R&AWexternal intelligenceResearch and Analysis Wing1968 establishmentnational securityIndia-China WarBangladesh Liberation Warintelligence agencies