Research and Analysis Wing: The history of India's intelligence agency

The Research and Analysis Wing (RAW), India's premier foreign intelligence agency, was established on September 21, 1968, by then-Prime Minister Indira Gandhi. The creation of the agency followed the 1962 conflict with China and the 1965 war with Pakistan, which highlighted critical gaps in India's ability to gather foreign intelligence.

Prior to RAW's formation, the Intelligence Bureau (IB) handled both domestic and foreign intelligence duties. Rameswar Nath Kao was appointed as the agency's first chief, tasked with building the organization's capabilities and culture from the ground up. Over its 58-year history, RAW has evolved from a small group of 25 officials into one of the world's most powerful intelligence organizations, focused on protecting national sovereignty through covert operations and strategic foresight.