NEW DELHI: India’s Research and Analysis Wing (RAW), its external intelligence service, has found itself under international scrutiny following Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s allegations that Indian government agents were involved in the killing of Sikh prominent leader Hardeep Singh Nijjar in Vancouver. Neighbouring countries, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, and Nepal have already alleged its involvement in political interference and association with banned groups responsible for acts of violence.
According to Indian security and intelligence officials who spoke to Reuters, RAW has been increasingly assertive in the international arena since the 2008 Mumbai attacks, which left 166 people dead. In the aftermath of this tragedy, RAW expanded its influence in Western nations gradually. The failure to secure the extradition of a US citizen convicted in the Mumbai attacks served as a motivating factor for RAW to extend its reach in the West.
Unlike its capabilities in its immediate neighborhood, RAW largely relies on human intelligence for its operations in Western countries. This shift toward international assertiveness aligns with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s tenure, during which India has strengthened its defense capabilities.
The recent allegations made by Canada have raised concerns about increased global monitoring of RAW. While these developments may raise questions about RAW’s activities, they might also lead to a better understanding of India’s security concerns.
As tensions with China have escalated, Western countries have expanded their military and intelligence cooperation with India. For example, the U.S. agreed to share sensitive mapping and satellite data with India in 2020.
In the short term, Canada’s accusations may make it challenging for Western countries to trust RAW. The diplomatic standoff between Canada and India has already led to suspensions of visa issuances and demands for reductions in diplomatic presence.
RAW has long been viewed as a rival by Pakistani security leaders, and Islamabad has previously accused RAW of various activities. While RAW has had a limited Western presence since its inception, the substantial Indian diaspora in countries like the United States, Canada, Britain, and Australia is considered an asset.
However, the risk of Indian agents being monitored in their host nations has led to their involvement in political influence campaigns rather than security operations.
RAW’s Partners with Mossad and CIA Connections
Despite RAW’s growing presence worldwide, its operations in the West have been conducted with caution. While it has facilitated the movement of resources from Europe to other locations, direct actions have largely been confined to South Asia and Southeast Asia.
RAW operates from an inconspicuous office complex in central Delhi, and specific details about its operations, such as its budget and size, remain undisclosed. It was established in 1968 and initially focused on monitoring China after the 1962 war. RAW has maintained close ties with agencies like Israel’s Mossad and the CIA.
Under Prime Minister Modi’s leadership, RAW has expanded its presence, significance, and capabilities. The agency has become more proactive in diplomacy, deal-making, and both analog and digital operations.
However, as Indian intelligence services have grown in capabilities and reach, there is concern that the legal framework governing their activities has not kept pace with modern democracies’ management of espionage operations. RAW operates without formal parliamentary or constitutional backing and is exempt from legislative oversight.
This centralized command and control structure, with the prime minister at the helm, raises questions about transparency and accountability in India’s intelligence operations on the global stage.
