In a major decision amidst escalating security issues, the Government of India has named Parag Jain, a veteran intelligence officer and 1989-batch IPS officer belonging to the Punjab cadre, as the new Secretary of the Research and Analysis Wing (R&AW)—India’s premier foreign intelligence agency. Jain assumes office on July 1, 2025, succeeding Ravi Sinha, whose term expires on June 30 after what most in security circles describe as an unexciting stint.
Who is Parag Jain: A Quiet Force in Indian Intelligence
Parag Jain is not a name that may come readily to mind, yet in the intelligence community, he is recognized as a level-headed, intense, and competent officer. A long-time specialist in Pakistan, he has spent decades building a reputation as an expert on cross-border terrorism, foreign espionage, and geopolitical threats.
He is now leading the Aviation Research Centre (ARC), an aerial intelligence arm of R&AW. Under his command, ARC was crucial in Operation Sindoor, by collecting key intelligence on Pakistani military movements and terror facilities, which enabled Indian agencies to plan responses with enhanced situational awareness.
Early Years in Punjab: Grounded in Conflict
Parag Jain started his career in policing while Punjab was grappling with militant separatist movements. He served in important positions at Bathinda, Mansa, and Hoshiarpur and was engaged in anti-terror operations when militancy was at its peak. He then worked as SSP Chandigarh and DIG Ludhiana, roles that exposed him to urban counter-terrorism and coordinating intelligence.
Key Operations and Strategic Postings
- Jain’s work is fundamentally related to Pakistani-centric intelligence operations. He was stationed in Jammu and Kashmir for two seminal national security incidents:
- Abrogation of Article 370: He was involved in managing intelligence inputs when Jammu and Kashmir’s special status was abrogated, a decision that necessitated careful risk management.
- Operation Balakot: After the 2019 Pulwama terror attack, Jain was among the intelligence machinery that helped in carrying out the Balakot airstrikes—India’s strong military retaliation against terror camps within Pakistan.
- In both instances, Jain was credited to offer actionable intelligence and accurate geopolitical analysis that assisted India in steering intricate and sensitive operations.
International Assignments: Canada & Sri Lanka
In Canada, he closely monitored the Khalistani separatist environment—raising alarm bells about how it was transforming itself into a global threat. His careful appraisals and timely warnings about the expanding nexus between separatists and terror sympathizers were subsequently vindicated by international events.
In Sri Lanka, Jain played a role in keeping an eye on regional security and the growing presence of China in the Indian Ocean. His work helped India know more about strategic naval movements and local geopolitical transitions.
Why This Appointment Is Important
- Parag Jain assumes command at a time when R&AW is in the limelight. The past couple of years have revealed a number of intelligence shortcomings:
- The Maldives political crisis and Bangladesh unrest were not expected.
- The April 22, 2025 terror attack at Pahalgam, Jammu & Kashmir, left the country reeling and exposed ground-level alert lapses.
- These events, coupled with Pakistan’s aggressive stance under Field Marshal Asim Munir, have generated doubts over India’s external intelligence readiness.
- India recently suspended the Indus Water Treaty, and retaliation through cross-border terrorism is seen as a strong possibility. Intelligence experts believe Pakistan will exploit asymmetric warfare to strike India—making Jain’s role in rebuilding human intelligence (HUMINT) even more vital.
Key Challenges Ahead for Parag Jain
1. Rebuilding Ground Intelligence:
The agency requires a more robust network of Pakistani, Bangladeshi, Afghan, and even friendly-nation human assets and informants.
2. Counter Cross-Border Terrorism:
As Pakistan becomes more dependent on terror proxies, Jain has to evolve plans to disrupt such activities at the stage of planning.
3. Curbing the Global Khalistan Movement:
Canada, UK, and Australia have witnessed a rise in Khalistani activism. Jain will have to deepen cooperation with global allies to neutralize these threats.
4. Modernizing Intelligence Tools:
R&AW must adopt more AI, satellite surveillance, cyber intelligence, and drone monitoring systems while integrating them with field-level operations.
5. Internal Agency Reforms:
After criticism over lapses, Jain is expected to restructure the agency, strengthen inter-agency coordination, and restore institutional confidence.
Conclusion
Parag Jain’s ascension to the pinnacle of R&AW is timed at India’s national security’s most critical juncture. His well-integrated operational acumen, strategic vision, and tried-and-tested leadership qualify him as the appropriate individual to helm India’s most clandestine but essential agency.
