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Secretary of the Research and Analysis Wing

The Secretary of the Research and Analysis Wing (Sachev, Anusandhan evam Vishleshan Wing) is the seniormost non-elected official of the Research and Analysis Wing (R&AW), India's external intelligence agency. The post is generally held by a senior officer from the Indian Police Service (IPS). The Secretary R&AW reports directly to the Prime Minister of India and is responsible for all intelligence operations abroad.

The first secretary was R. N. Kao, who established the agency in 1968. As the head of R&AW, the secretary is responsible for intelligence collection, covert operations, and national security assessments.

History

The position of Secretary (Research) of R&AW was established in 1968, at the inception of the agency under the Indira Gandhi-led government. At that time, the Secretary (Research) was placed on par with other senior secretarial positions, such as the Home Secretary and the Foreign Secretary. In 1977, the Morarji Desai-led government downgraded the post and redesignated it as the Director of R&AW. This change was reversed in 1986 by the Rajiv Gandhi-led government, reinstating the original designation of Secretary (Research).

The Secretary (Research) is appointed by the Prime Minister of India in consultation with the Appointments Committee of the Cabinet for an initial term of two years, with the possibility of extension if the officeholder's service is deemed fit for continuation. The longest-serving Secretary was R. N. Kao, who led the agency from its inception in 1968 until his retirement in 1977. Although R&AW has its own specialised cadre, the Research and Analysis Service (RAS), most of the organization's chiefs have traditionally been drawn from the Indian Police Service (IPS), a practice that has occasionally faced criticism. To date, only N. F. Suntook and Vikram Sood have served as R&AW chiefs without coming from the IPS cadre.

Powers and responsibilities

The Secretary of R&AW heads the entire organisation and oversees its operations, administration, and coordination with other security and intelligence agencies. The role includes:

  • Advising the Prime Minister of India on all matters of foreign intelligence and national security.
  • Planning and supervising intelligence gathering abroad.
  • Overseeing covert operations and counter-intelligence activities outside India.
  • Coordinating with other Indian intelligence agencies, such as Intelligence Bureau (IB) and National Technical Research Organisation (NTRO).
  • Reporting directly to the Prime Minister and the Cabinet Committee on Security.
  • Appointing senior officers within R&AW in consultation with the Appointments Committee of the Cabinet (ACC).
  • Functions as an arm of the Cabinet Secretariat with the Secretary (Research) positioned within the Secretariat.
  • Works under the Cabinet Secretary while cooperating with the National Security Advisor to report-cum-advise the Prime Minister on intelligence matters.
  • Exercises sweeping powers over R&AW's functioning, except administrative and financial matters, which remain under the remit of the Cabinet Secretary.
  • Serves as a member of the Strategic Policy Group under the National Security Council, tasked with advising policymakers on long-term strategic reviews and national security decision-making.

Emolument, accommodation and perquisites

The Secretary of R&AW holds the rank of Secretary to the Government of India. The post is accompanied by:

  • Official residence.
  • Security cover as per central government rules.
  • Eligibility for a diplomatic or official passport for foreign travel.
  • Salary as per Pay Level 17 of the 7th Pay Commission.

List of Secretaries of R&AW

See also

References