Parag Jain, India’s low-key intelligence star, will shortly preside over India’s most clandestine spy agency. Parag Jain, a 1989-batch Punjab cadre IPS officer, has been in the intelligence business for more than three decades, working on counter-terrorism, cross-border operations, and espionage.
He assumes charge of the Research and Analysis Wing (RAW) as the world increasingly gets complicated and dangerous. From leading effective attacks on enemy soil to combining human and technical acumen, Jain infuses grit and vision into India’s external intelligence network.
Appointed as RAW Chief
On June 28, the Cabinet Appointments Committee formally cleared Parag Jain’s name for the top job. He will assume charge as RAW chief on July 1 for a fixed term of two years. He succeeds acting RAW chief Ravi Sinh, whose tenancy is coming to an end on June 30.
Parag Jain’s appointment brings an end to months of speculation and marks a turn towards more assertive, intelligence-led action in Indian foreign policy.
Man Behind Operation Sindoor
Parag Jain earned the “super sleuth” label for good reason. He was instrumental in spearheading Operation Sindoor, which allowed India to conduct targeted missile strikes on terror infrastructure in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir.
Whereas the missiles hit in minutes, years of network construction and intelligence collection made the operation feasible. His approach combined HUMINT and TECHINT to provide real-time precision—a synergy that intelligence veterans view as his greatest strength.
Ground-Hardened Expertise
Parag Jain has battlefield experience from Jammu and Kashmir, India’s most dynamic security theatre. He worked diligently in the theatre, developing in-depth insight into insurgency trends, militant networks, and cross-border operations.
Top administrators depict him as systematic, disciplined, and unobtrusive. He shuns the limelight, but inspires muted respect throughout intelligence and law enforcement communities.
Veteran in the Shadows
On 1 January 2021, Jain was elevated to the Director General of Police rank in Punjab. However, since he was already under central deputation, he was only conferred notional benefits. He was subsequently empanelled for central DGP positions, further establishing his credentials for national-level intelligence leadership.
Parag Jain also worked in Canada and Sri Lanka, further enhancing his international exposure and tempering his knowledge of challenging geopolitical ecosystems.
What Lies Ahead?
Parag Jain arrives at a pivotal moment. As dangers to India change—from terror surrogates to cyber conflicts—his rich experience in both old and new intelligence models will inform RAW’s future direction.
His style might be low-key, but the effects are likely to be profound. With Parag Jain at the helm, India’s game of espionage is going to get more acerbic, astute, and laser-sharp.
