Context: This article is about the Intelligence Collection and Evolution of Indian Intelligence and Investigation Agencies: Intelligence Bureau (IB) and Research and Analysis Wing (R&AW/RAW).

About Intelligence Collection

• Description: It is the collection and processing of information about foreign countries and their agents which is needed by a government for its national security and foreign policy.
• Types of Intelligence Collection: There are five main ways of collecting intelligence that are often referred to as “intelligence collection disciplines” or the “INTs.”
  • Human Intelligence (HUMINT): It is the collection of information from human sources. 
  • Signals Intelligence (SIGINT): It refers to electronic transmissions that can be collected by ships, planes, ground sites, or satellites. 
  • Imagery Intelligence (IMINT): It is produced through an integration of imagery, imagery intelligence, and geospatial information.
  • Measurement and Signatures Intelligence (MASINT): It includes the advanced processing and use of data gathered from overhead and airborne IMINT and SIGINT collection systems. 
  • Open-Source Intelligence (OSINT): It refers to a broad array of information and sources that are generally available, including information obtained from the media, professional and academic records, and public data.

Evolution of Indian Intelligence and Investigation Agencies

• About Research and Analysis Wing (R&AW/RAW)
  • Establishment: Research and Analysis Wing (R&AW/RAW) was created in the aftermath of the 1962 Sino-Indian War and the 1965 Indo-Pakistani War when India realized the need for a dedicated external intelligence agency to counter the threats. Earlier, it was initially a wing of the Intelligence Bureau (IB).
    • It was established in 1968 to handle India’s international intelligence affairs under R. N. Kao, who was appointed by Indira Gandhi.
• Mandates: It collects military, economic, scientific, and political intelligence. It is also responsible for monitoring terrorist and smuggling elements..
• Significance: Research and Analysis Wing has a reputation for professionalism, efficiency, and daring. 
  • It contributed significantly to India’s national security and foreign policy interests over the years, by providing valuable information, analysis, and action. 
• Prominence: Under R.N. Kao, R&AW quickly gained prominence in the global intelligence community and carried out the following several successful operations.
  • Creation of Bangladesh in 1971
  • Accession of Sikkim to India in 1975
  • In the 1980s, it conducted trilateral operations with Afghanistan’s security agency KHAD and Soviet Union’s security agency KGB.
  • Ensuring the secrecy and success of India’s nuclear tests in Pokhran, Rajasthan, in May 1998 (Operation Smiling Buddha), led by A.P.J. Abdul Kalam.
  • Operation Kahuta in 1977, to locate and confirm Pakistan’s Nuclear Test.
    • However, Morarji Desai accidentally exposed R&AW’s operation in a telephonic conversation with then-Pakistan President Zia-ul-Haq, which resulted in the elimination of R&AW’s assets and agents in and around Kahuta.
    • He also slashed the R&AW budget by 30% as he thought the agency was Indira Gandhi’s private army and misused by spying on the Opposition.
  • Ravindra Kaushik was a R&AW agent who spied for India from 1975 to 1983. He penetrated the Pakistan Army and reached the rank of Major. 
• About Intelligence Bureau (IB)
  • Internal Intelligence Agency: The Intelligence Bureau (IB) is an internal intelligence agency of India that is used to gather information from within India. Until 1968, the IB was responsible for handling external intelligence too.
  • Mandates: It executes counter-intelligence and counter-terrorism tasks. It is particularly tasked with intelligence collection in border areas, on the recommendations of the Himmatsinhji Committee.
  • Under the Aegis of: It comes under the administrative control of the Ministry of Home Affairs.

Also Read: Hamas Attack On Israel: Lessons For India To Learn

New Emerging Tool

• Psychological Warfare or Psywar: It is the new emerging tool of intelligence and involves the planned use of propaganda and other psychological operations to influence the opinions, emotions, attitudes, and behavior of opposition groups. Example: 2017- India-China standoff.
  • Significance: Using the tool, in J & K, the collaboration of RAW, IB, and other departments achieved a 65% reduction in terrorism.
  • Challenge: It is resulting in the creation of Internal Conflicts and Insurgency in Punjab, Mizoram, and J&K (after 370 abrogation)

Conclusion:

India needs to invest more in the structure and functional strength of the Indian Intelligence System. The agencies need to constantly adapt and evolve to meet the new challenges and to serve India in the best possible way.

News Source: PWOnlyIAS