Parag Jain becomes new RAW Chief after Operation Sindoor success

Parag Jain steps into key intelligence role

Parag Jain becomes new RAW Chief after Operation Sindoor success: Parag Jain, a senior 1989-batch IPS officer from the Punjab cadre, has been appointed as the new Chief of the Research and Analysis Wing (RAW). He succeeds Ravi Sinha, whose tenure ends on June 30, 2025. Jain’s appointment is widely seen as recognition of his instrumental role in Operation Sindoor, India’s covert counter-offensive after the Pahalgam terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir.

Background of Operation Sindoor

On April 22, 2025, a brutal terror strike in Pahalgam led to the death of 26 civilians. Indian intelligence traced the origins to terror elements linked to Pakistan’s deep state. In response, India launched Operation Sindoor, a multi-agency counterterrorism operation.

The operation involved precision strikes in Pakistan-occupied territory, guided by real-time aerial surveillance and covert ground coordination. A ceasefire was negotiated on May 10, 2025, after four days of heightened tension. Jain, then heading the Aviation Research Centre (ARC), played a decisive role in providing intelligence inputs that enabled accurate strikes without full-scale conflict.

Static GK Tip: The Research and Analysis Wing (RAW) was established in 1968 as India’s premier external intelligence agency, post the Indo-China war of 1962.

Parag Jain’s IPS career highlights

Jain’s early career saw him serve in terrorism-affected zones of Punjab, rising through ranks from SSP to DIG. Known for his strategic thinking and field-based intelligence work, he earned respect within India’s security framework. His work in Punjab during the 1990s involved crucial anti-terror operations, enhancing his operational credibility.

Over two decades in RAW

Jain has spent more than 20 years in RAW, mainly handling the Pakistan desk. His work included surveillance on terror financing, espionage networks, and cross-border operations. He also served in Sri Lanka and Canada, where he tracked Khalistani modules and monitored diaspora-linked radicalization.

Static GK fact: RAW officers often serve in Indian embassies under diplomatic cover to coordinate intelligence with host nations.

Leadership at the Aviation Research Centre

Before becoming RAW Chief, Jain led the Aviation Research Centre, a critical arm of RAW tasked with aerial reconnaissance, satellite image analysis, and signal interception. Under his leadership, ARC integrated drone-based intelligence and high-resolution imaging, which proved vital during Operation Sindoor.

Tenure and forward outlook

Jain assumes charge on July 1, 2025, with an initial tenure of two years. His elevation comes at a time when India faces growing challenges from transnational terrorism, cyber warfare, and diaspora extremism. Jain’s blend of technical expertise, field knowledge, and cross-border intelligence experience is expected to reshape RAW’s operational priorities.

His appointment signals continuity and a strategic pivot towards AI-enabled surveillance, real-time intelligence, and proactive counterterrorism.

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Parag Jain becomes new RAW Chief after Operation Sindoor success: