RAW Full Form: Its Formation, Headquarter, Objectives and Role

The Research and Analysis Wing (RAW) is India’s foreign intelligence agency, established to safeguard national security and advance India’s strategic interests. This article provides a detailed overview of RAW, including its history, structure, objectives, and operations.

What is the Full Form of RAW?

RAW stands for the Research and Analysis Wing, which is India’s external intelligence agency. Established in 1968, it was created to address the shortcomings in intelligence gathering highlighted during the Indo-China and Indo-Pakistan wars. RAW is responsible for monitoring threats to India’s national security and conducting covert operations.

An Overview of Research and Analysis Wing

Formation: 21^st September 1968

Headquarter: New Delhi

Motto: Dharma protects when it is protected

Minister responsible: Prime Minister of India

Formation and Headquarter of Research and Analysis Wing

The Research and Analysis Wing (RAW) was established on September 21, 1968. Headquartered at CGO Complex, Lodhi Road, New Delhi, RAW operates directly under the Prime Minister of India, with its chief designated as the Secretary (Research) in the Cabinet Secretariat. The agency’s motto, “Dharmō Rakṣati Rakṣitaḥ,” translates to “Dharma protects, When it is protected.”

Historical Background of RAW

Before RAW’s formation, the Intelligence Bureau (IB) was responsible for foreign intelligence. After India’s independence in 1947, the IB’s role expanded. However, the failure to gather adequate intelligence during the Sino-Indian War of 1962 highlighted the need for a dedicated foreign intelligence agency. The Indo-Pakistani War of 1965 further underscored this need.

The Indira Gandhi administration established RAW to handle strategic external intelligence, human and technical intelligence, and trans-border military intelligence. Rameshwar Nath Kao was appointed as the head of RAW, marking the beginning of a new era in India’s intelligence operations.

Objectives of Research and Analysis Wing

RAW’s primary objectives include:

Monitoring Developments: Observing political, military, economic, and scientific developments in countries impacting India’s security and foreign policy.
Influencing Public Opinion: Shaping international public opinion and influencing foreign governments.
Covert Operations: Conducting covert operations to protect India’s national interests.
Counter-Terrorism: Undertaking anti-terror operations and neutralizing threats to India.

Historically, RAW also focused on monitoring international communism and limiting military hardware supplies to Pakistan.

Organizational Framework of Research and Analysis Wing

RAW operates on a structure similar to that of the CIA. The head of RAW, the Secretary (R), reports to the National Security Adviser and the Prime Minister. The agency is organized into various functional divisions, including:

Special Operations and Intelligence: Overseen by an Additional Secretary, managing intelligence from different regions.
Electronics and Technical Services (ETS): Focuses on technical intelligence and electronic surveillance.
Aviation Research Centre (ARC): Responsible for aerial reconnaissance.
Special Group: Engages in covert operations.

Regional Headquarter of Research and Analysis Wing

RAW has ten field formations or Special Bureaus across major cities in India, targeting countries sharing land borders with India.

Recruitment and Training of RAW

Recruitment

RAW recruits personnel from various sources, including IPS officers, civil services, and armed forces. The Research and Analysis Service (RAS) was established in 1983 to streamline recruitment.

Training

Training for RAW recruits includes:

Basic Training: Covers tradecraft, financial and economic analysis, and Geostrategic analysis.
Advanced Training: Involves field operations, self-defense, and use of espionage devices.

Role of RAW

Monitors developments in neighboring countries impacting India’s national security.
Conducts covert operations to protect India’s national interests.
Executes anti-terrorism efforts to neutralize threats to India.
Provides security for India’s nuclear program.
Gathers intelligence on insurgency groups threatening India.
Limits military equipment supply to Pakistan.
Influences international public opinion through a strong Indian Diaspora.