Senior IPS officer Parag Jain has been appointed as the new chief of the Research and Analysis Wing (RAW), India’s premier external intelligence agency. Jain, a 1989 batch IPS officer from the Punjab cadre, will assume charge on July 1, succeeding the outgoing chief, Ravi Sinha, whose tenure ends on June 30.
Jain brings with him over two decades of extensive experience in intelligence operations. He currently heads RAW’s Aviation Research Centre (ARC), which is responsible for aerial surveillance and gathering airborne intelligence crucial to national security.
One of the most notable highlights of Jain’s career has been his pivotal involvement in the classified and high-stakes “Operation Sindoor,” which reportedly dealt with sensitive cross-border intelligence matters. Though details of the operation remain confidential, sources suggest it played a significant role in shaping national security strategy.
Earlier in his career, Parag Jain served in key positions in Punjab as Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) and Deputy Inspector General (DIG), especially during the state’s turbulent years of militancy. His work in anti-terror operations helped establish his credentials in national security circles.
Jain has also held critical roles within RAW’s Special Cell focused on Pakistan, including during the abrogation of Article 370 in Jammu and Kashmir—a time of heightened intelligence activity. His overseas postings include assignments at Indian embassies in Sri Lanka and Canada, where he closely monitored Khalistani extremist networks operating from abroad.
With his elevation to the top post, Parag Jain is expected to bring strategic depth and operational expertise to RAW, particularly at a time when India’s external security challenges are evolving rapidly.