The central government has appointed Parag Jain, a seasoned 1989-batch IPS officer of the Punjab cadre, as the new chief of India’s premier external intelligence agency, the Research and Analysis Wing (R&AW). He will succeed Ravi Sinha on July 1, 2025, for a two-year term.
But who is Parag Jain, and what makes him the right fit to lead R&AW during a period of rising cross-border tensions?
Who is R&AW Chief Parag Jain?
Parag Jain is widely recognized as one of India’s top intelligence officers with deep expertise in Pakistan-related operations. Currently heading the Aviation Research Centre (ARC), Jain has played a crucial role in real-time surveillance and intelligence gathering, especially during Operation Sindoor, where ARC tracked Pakistani troop movements and terror camp locations.
Earlier in his career, Jain was actively involved in tackling terrorism during the violent insurgency in Punjab, serving in key districts like Bathinda, Mansa, and Hoshiarpur, and also held top positions as SSP Chandigarh and DIG Ludhiana.
International Tenure & Anti-Khalistan Work
Parag Jain’s international assignments included postings in Canada and Sri Lanka, where he served as India’s intelligence representative. During his time in Canada, Jain was one of the first Indian officers to raise red flags about the Khalistan movement’s revival, warning Delhi that the extremist network was evolving and becoming more dangerous.
Strategic Roles in Critical National Events
Jain was deeply embedded in field operations during key national security moments, including:
- The abrogation of Article 370 in Jammu and Kashmir
- The Balakot airstrikes
- Intelligence response during multiple Indo-Pak tensions
His experience with ground-level intelligence in hostile environments makes him an ideal candidate to lead R&AW at a time when India’s neighborhood remains volatile.
Challenges Ahead for Parag Jain
As he assumes office, Jain inherits an intelligence agency under scrutiny. R&AW has faced criticism in recent years for failing to anticipate key developments, including the Pahalgam terror attack in April 2025, and diplomatic setbacks in Maldives and Bangladesh.
With Asim Munir elevated to Field Marshal in Pakistan and the rise in cross-border terrorism, the expectations from R&AW are high. Intelligence experts emphasize the need for a shift from purely technical surveillance to stronger on-ground human intelligence under Jain’s leadership.
Conclusion: Why Parag Jain Matters Now
So, who is Parag Jain? He is not just another bureaucrat, but a battle-tested intelligence operative with a strong grasp on Pakistan affairs, counter-terrorism strategy, and global diplomatic intelligence. His appointment signals the Modi government’s intent to sharpen India’s external intelligence capabilities amidst rising geopolitical tensions.
As India prepares for more complex threats, all eyes will be on how Parag Jain reshapes R&AW and reasserts its strategic dominance.
