What is the Research and Analysis Wing (R&AW)?

Aug. 31, 2024

A 55-year-old man posing as an officer of intelligence agency Research and Analysis Wing (R&AW) was recently arrested after the suspect was caught intimidating locals.

About Research and Analysis Wing (R&AW):

It was established in 1968 to handle India’s international intelligence affairs.
At present, R&AW is under the aegis of the Prime Minister’s Office.
Working mechanism: It collects military, economic, scientific, and political intelligence through covert and overt operations.
The agency is also charged with monitoring terrorist elements and smuggling rings that transport weapons and ammunition into India.
Formation:
- Until 1968, the Intelligence Bureau (IB) was responsible for India’s internal intelligence and also handled external intelligence.
- However, after the 1962 China-India war and the Indo-Pakistani war in 1965, India established a separate and distinct external intelligence organization–the R&AW.
- Since its inception, RAW is credited with providing intelligence support to many significant operations on foreign soil.