RESEARCH AND ANALYSIS WING (R&AW): INDIA’S EXTERNAL INTELLIGENCE AGENCY
21 August 2026
PRERNA FOR IAS
Mehnat Aapki, Guidance Humari
Roz ki Prelims Practice — Experts ke Saath
RESEARCH AND ANALYSIS WING (R&AW): INDIA’S EXTERNAL INTELLIGENCE AGENCY
Context: R&AW recently came into focus after its chief Parag Jain made a brief visit to Dhaka in August 2026 with an Indian delegation. Reports said the visit involved discussions with senior Bangladeshi security officials at a time when India-Bangladesh relations face security and political sensitivities.
Background: The Research and Analysis Wing (R&AW) was established in 1968 after the security experience of the 1962 India-China War and 1965 India-Pakistan War highlighted the need for a specialised external-intelligence organisation. R.N. Kao became its first chief. Before R&AW’s creation, the Intelligence Bureau handled both domestic and external intelligence functions.
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Learn about R&AW, India's external intelligence agency established in 1968. Explore its role in national security, counter-terrorism, and strategic intelligence operations under the Cabinet Secretariat.
Keywords
R&AWexternal intelligenceIndia intelligence agencynational securityintelligence cooperationParag Jaincounter-terrorismBangladesh relationsstrategic interestsintelligence oversight