NEW DELHI (Diya TV) — The Indian government has appointed Parag Jain, a former Indian Police Service (IPS) officer, as the new chief of the Research and Analysis Wing (R&AW), their nation’s external intelligence agency. Jain, who belongs to the Punjab cadre, will serve a two-year term. He replaces Ravi Sinha, whose term ends on June 30.
Jain previously led the Aviation Research Centre (ARC), R&AW’s technical wing. In that role, he oversaw technical surveillance and also managed the agency’s Pakistan desk. His reputation in the intelligence community rests on his low-profile but methodical style.
His elevation comes at a time when India faces complex regional threats. With more than three decades of service, Jain brings both operational field experience and technical know-how.
Jain has held several key assignments abroad. Most notably, he served as India’s station chief in Sri Lanka during a time of political upheaval. His tenure coincided with the September 2024 elections in Sri Lanka. These elections followed years of unrest and the 2022 resignation of President Gotabaya Rajapaksa after massive protests and an economic crisis.
Anura Kumara Dissanayake of the Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna (JVP) won the 2024 presidential elections. Sources say Jain played a key role in helping India navigate the sensitive power shift in Colombo. His leadership helped maintain bilateral ties and counter foreign influences during this period.
Before his Sri Lanka posting, Jain was stationed in Canada. There, he focused on monitoring and countering Khalistan-related terrorism. His experience in tackling transnational threats has added to his credentials as a seasoned intelligence officer.
Jain was posted briefly in Jammu and Kashmir shortly after the Indian government abrogated Article 370 in August 2019. His stint there was at a critical time, as intelligence operations were needed to maintain order and security in the region.
Jain also served in the Punjab Police in senior roles. He was the Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) in Chandigarh and the Deputy Inspector General (DIG) in Ludhiana. During these postings, he gained a reputation for hands-on leadership and professionalism.
“He is a very good officer. The case was cracked under his supervision,” said ADGP Rajesh Kumar Jaiswal, a 1997-batch IPS officer who worked under Jain in Ludhiana. Another colleague, Mohd Mustafa, a 1985-batch IPS officer, described him as “a thorough gentleman,” noting his hard work and commitment to professionalism.
Jain’s career has been marked by his preference for staying out of the limelight. But within the intelligence network, he is known for steady leadership and deep understanding of strategic threats. His work reflects a combination of technical intelligence expertise and on-the-ground operational experience.
His appointment continues the government’s tradition of choosing R&AW chiefs based on seniority and proven field performance. Officials familiar with the process said the decision underscores a commitment to continuity and quiet efficiency.
Jain takes over at a time when India faces growing security challenges in its neighborhood. From tensions in South Asia to the rise of cross-border terrorism and cyber threats, the role of R&AW is more critical than ever. His wide-ranging experience, from handling Pakistan-related intelligence to working in politically volatile regions, is expected to guide the agency through these complex times.
Jain’s two-year term officially begins on July 1, 2025. His appointment is seen as a strategic move to ensure R&AW continues to focus on its core objectives — safeguarding national security and strengthening India’s global intelligence presence.
As India’s new spymaster, Jain will likely maintain his signature low profile. But those familiar with his work expect his influence to be felt where it matters most — behind the scenes, where intelligence shapes national policy and global engagement.
