- Appointment: Parag Jain, a 1989-batch IPS officer from Punjab, has been named the new Secretary of India’s Research and Analysis Wing (R&AW), effective July 1, 2025.
- Background: With over two decades in R&AW, Jain is recognized for his role in Operation Sindoor and expertise on Pakistan-related intelligence.
- Experience: He has served in Punjab during militancy, handled the Kashmir desk during key operations, and monitored Khalistani networks in Canada.
- Challenges: Jain takes charge amid calls for R&AW reform following recent intelligence gaps in the Maldives, Bangladesh, and the Pahalgam attack.
- Focus: His leadership is expected to strengthen R&AW’s capabilities in counter-terrorism and external intelligence.
Who is Parag Jain?
Parag Jain, a seasoned Indian Police Service (IPS) officer, has been appointed as the Secretary of India’s Research and Analysis Wing (R&AW), the country’s primary external intelligence agency. He assumed the role on July 1, 2025, succeeding Ravi Sinha, whose tenure ended on June 30, 2025. Jain’s extensive experience in intelligence, particularly his expertise in Pakistan affairs and counter-terrorism, makes him a pivotal figure in India’s security landscape.
Career Highlights
Jain’s career spans significant roles in both domestic and international security. He began as an IPS officer in Punjab, serving during the state’s militancy period in the late 1980s and early 1990s. His work in R&AW includes leading the Aviation Research Centre (ARC), which was instrumental in Operation Sindoor, a response to the April 2025 Pahalgam terror attack. Jain has also served in diplomatic missions in Sri Lanka and Canada, where he tracked Khalistani terror networks.
Current Context
Jain’s appointment comes at a time when R&AW faces scrutiny for its handling of recent crises, including intelligence failures in the Maldives and Bangladesh, and the inability to prevent the Pahalgam attack. His leadership will likely focus on addressing these challenges and enhancing R&AW’s operational effectiveness.
Parag Jain: The New R&AW Secretary
Introduction
On June 28, 2025, the Indian government announced the appointment of Parag Jain, a 1989-batch Indian Police Service (IPS) officer from the Punjab cadre, as the new Secretary of the Research and Analysis Wing (R&AW), India’s premier external intelligence agency. Effective July 1, 2025, Jain succeeded Ravi Sinha, whose tenure concluded on June 30, 2025. With over two decades of experience in R&AW, Jain brings a wealth of expertise in counter-terrorism, Pakistan affairs, and international intelligence operations. His appointment comes at a critical juncture, as R&AW faces calls for reform following recent intelligence challenges. This biography explores Jain’s illustrious career, his key contributions, and the challenges he faces as India’s new spy chief.
Early Life and Education
While specific details about Parag Jain’s early life and education are not publicly available due to the sensitive nature of his role, it is known that he joined the Indian Police Service in 1989, opting for the Punjab cadre. His decision to pursue a career in public service reflects a commitment to national security, likely shaped by the turbulent socio-political environment of Punjab during the 1980s. As an IPS officer, Jain would have undergone rigorous training at the Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel National Police Academy in Hyderabad, equipping him with the skills needed for law enforcement and security operations.
Career in Punjab: Battling Militancy
Jain’s early career was defined by his service in Punjab during the height of the state’s militancy crisis in the late 1980s and early 1990s. He served as Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) in districts such as Bhatinda, Mansa, and Hoshiarpur, where he played a significant role in counter-terrorism operations. Later, as Deputy Inspector General (DIG) in Ludhiana and SSP in Chandigarh, Jain demonstrated operational excellence and strategic insight in combating militancy. His work during this period earned him a reputation as a calm and effective leader under pressure, qualities that would later define his tenure in R&AW.
| Role | Location | Key Contributions |
|---|---|---|
| Senior Superintendent of Police | Bhatinda, Mansa, Hoshiarpur | Counter-terrorism operations during Punjab militancy |
| Deputy Inspector General | Ludhiana | Strategic leadership in security operations |
| Senior Superintendent of Police | Chandigarh | Strengthened law enforcement in the Union Territory |
Transition to R&AW: A New Chapter
Jain’s transition to the Research and Analysis Wing marked a pivotal shift in his career. Over the past two decades, he has held critical roles within the agency, including managing the Pakistan desk, a position that required deep knowledge of India’s western neighbor and its security dynamics. His expertise in this area made him a key figure in shaping R&AW’s strategies concerning Pakistan. Jain also served in Jammu and Kashmir during significant events, such as the abrogation of Article 370 in 2019 and Operation Balakot, the 2019 airstrike on a terrorist camp in Pakistan. His involvement in these operations highlighted his ability to handle high-stakes intelligence tasks.
Leadership at the Aviation Research Centre
At the time of his appointment as R&AW Secretary, Jain was heading the Aviation Research Centre (ARC), a specialized unit within R&AW responsible for aerial surveillance and intelligence gathering. Under his leadership, ARC played a pivotal role in Operation Sindoor, a retaliatory operation targeting terrorist infrastructure in Pakistan following the April 22, 2025, terror attack in Pahalgam, which claimed 26 lives. Jain’s meticulous planning and coordination ensured the operation’s success, combining human and technical intelligence to deliver actionable insights. This achievement underscored his capability to lead complex, high-stakes missions.
International Postings: Sri Lanka and Canada
Jain’s international experience further distinguishes his career. He served as an Indian representative in diplomatic missions in Sri Lanka and Canada, where he tackled transnational security challenges. In Canada, Jain closely monitored Khalistani terror modules, providing critical warnings to Delhi about the evolving threats posed by the Khalistan ecosystem. His work in Canada, particularly his engagement with think tanks like the Macdonald-Laurier Institute in Ottawa in 2018, highlighted his ability to operate effectively in diplomatic and intelligence roles. These postings equipped him with a nuanced understanding of global security dynamics, a critical asset for his new role as R&AW Secretary.
Challenges and Expectations
Jain’s appointment comes at a time when R&AW is under scrutiny for its handling of recent crises. The agency faced criticism for intelligence failures in the Maldives and Bangladesh, as well as its inability to anticipate the Pahalgam terror attack in April 2025. These challenges have underscored the need for a revamp of R&AW’s operations and intelligence-gathering capabilities. As Secretary, Jain is expected to prioritize strengthening the agency’s ability to tackle cross-border terrorism, enhance coordination with other intelligence agencies, and address gaps in predictive intelligence. His deep expertise in Pakistan affairs and counter-terrorism positions him well to navigate these challenges.
Personal and Professional Traits
Described by officials as a “seasoned hand in external intelligence with a track record of high-stakes operations and strategic insight,” Jain is known for his calm demeanor and analytical approach. His ability to remain composed under pressure, honed during his early days in Punjab and later in R&AW’s high-pressure environment, has earned him respect among colleagues. Jain’s strategic foresight and operational acumen make him a fitting choice to lead R&AW during a period of heightened security challenges.
Public and Expert Reactions
The announcement of Jain’s appointment was widely covered on platforms like X, where users highlighted his expertise and past contributions. An X post by @TimesNow noted his leadership of the Kashmir desk during the abrogation of Article 370, while @dhairyam14 emphasized his Pakistan expertise and international postings . These reactions reflect the high expectations placed on Jain to strengthen India’s intelligence capabilities.
Conclusion
Parag Jain’s appointment as R&AW Secretary marks a new chapter for India’s external intelligence agency. With a career spanning counter-terrorism in Punjab, high-stakes operations in R&AW, and international postings in Sri Lanka and Canada, Jain brings a wealth of experience to his new role. As he takes charge on July 1, 2025, his leadership will be crucial in addressing R&AW’s recent challenges and steering the agency toward a more robust and effective future. India’s security landscape rests in capable hands, and Jain’s tenure promises to be a defining period for the nation’s intelligence community.