RAW: Top Operations by India’s External Intelligence Agency

India’s external intelligence agency, the Research and Analysis Wing (RAW), has long been an enigma—highly secretive, efficient, and largely away from the public eye. Since its establishment in 1968, RAW has played a vital role in protecting India’s strategic interests through covert intelligence operations. This article explores the top operations carried out by RAW, revealing the complex and dangerous world of espionage and national security.

What is RAW?

Research and Analysis Wing (RAW) is India’s premier foreign intelligence agency. Formed after the intelligence failures of the 1962 Indo-China War and the 1965 Indo-Pak War, it functions directly under the Prime Minister’s Office. Unlike the Intelligence Bureau (IB), which handles internal security, RAW is responsible for gathering foreign intelligence, counter-terrorism, counter-proliferation, and advancing India’s geopolitical interests abroad.

1. Operation: “Smiling Buddha” & Mukti Bahini Support

Smiling Buddha was the codename for India’s first successful nuclear test, conducted on May 18, 1974, at the Pokhran Test Range in Rajasthan. Orchestrated under extreme secrecy, the operation was a significant milestone for India’s defense strategy and geopolitical standing. Though officially described as a “peaceful nuclear explosion,” the test demonstrated India’s ability to develop nuclear weapons and significantly altered the power dynamics in South Asia. RAW played a crucial role in ensuring the mission’s secrecy from global intelligence agencies, particularly the CIA and Pakistan’s ISI, allowing India to surprise the world and enter the exclusive group of nuclear-capable nations.

Creation of Bangladesh (1971)

Perhaps RAW’s most impactful operation was its crucial role in the liberation of Bangladesh from Pakistan in 1971. The Bangladesh Liberation War began when Pakistan’s army launched Operation Searchlight to crush Bengali nationalism. RAW played a critical role by:

• Training and arming the Mukti Bahini, a guerrilla resistance movement.
• Providing real-time intelligence to the Indian Armed Forces.
• Monitoring troop movements, radio transmissions, and supply routes inside East Pakistan.
• Coordinating sabotage operations and psychological warfare.

The result was a decisive Indian victory and the birth of Bangladesh in just 13 days, one of the fastest military victories in modern history.

2. Operation Kahuta (1970s–1980s)

Target: Pakistan’s Nuclear Program

When Pakistan began its nuclear weapons program at the Kahuta Research Laboratories with Chinese and North Korean help, RAW initiated deep infiltration:

• RAW recruited Pakistani scientists, technicians, and insiders.
• Indian agents smuggled soil samples near Kahuta, which were then analyzed to detect traces of enriched uranium.
• Despite U.S. reluctance to act, India knew Pakistan was pursuing nuclear capabilities, thanks to RAW’s efforts.

Eventually, the mission was compromised, reportedly due to a mole in the Indian government. However, it underscored RAW’s reach and determination to counter nuclear threats.

3. Operation Cactus (1988)

Mission: Save Maldives from Coup

In November 1988, a group of Maldivian dissidents backed by a Sri Lankan Tamil militant group (PLOTE) launched a coup attempt in Maldives. Then-President Maumoon Abdul Gayoom requested help from India.

RAW quickly relayed the intel to the Indian government, and within hours, Indian paratroopers (IPKF) landed in Male under Operation Cactus:

• They restored the government within 9 hours, without firing a single shot in the capital.
• A naval blockade prevented the rebels from escaping by sea.

RAW’s quick intelligence gathering and coordination with the Indian military earned international praise, including from the U.S. and Britain.

4. Operation Chanakya (1990s)

Mission: Counter-Insurgency in Kashmir

During the early 1990s, Kashmir was engulfed in insurgency fueled by Pakistan’s ISI. RAW launched Operation Chanakya:

• It involved penetrating separatist groups and pro-Pakistan terrorist organizations like Hizbul Mujahideen.
• RAW created rival factions within militant groups to weaken them from inside.
• They also exposed links between ISI and Kashmiri militants.

Though controversial, this operation was crucial in preventing the complete collapse of the region and limiting ISI’s influence.

5. Operation Meghdoot (1984)

Mission: Control Siachen Glacier

The Siachen Glacier was not demarcated under the Simla Agreement. Pakistan planned to occupy the glacier first, but RAW intercepted their plans:

• RAW warned the Indian Army, which preemptively launched Operation Meghdoot.
• Indian troops reached the glacier just days before Pakistan, securing the strategic heights.

This intelligence coup gave India permanent control over Siachen, the world’s highest battlefield, and thwarted Pakistan’s ambitions.

6. Snatching Rabinder Singh (2004)

Double Agent Escapes

Rabinder Singh, a senior RAW officer, was allegedly spying for the CIA. Despite being under surveillance:

• He escaped India via Nepal, possibly with CIA help.
• The escape raised alarms about foreign intelligence penetration in RAW.
• RAW faced global embarrassment but later enhanced internal security protocols.

While the operation wasn’t a success, it highlighted the dangers of counterintelligence failures and reshaped RAW’s internal practices.

7. Tampering ISI Influence in Afghanistan

Post-Taliban Intelligence Strategy

After the U.S. invasion of Afghanistan in 2001, RAW quickly moved in to counter Pakistan’s ISI influence in the region:

• It funded infrastructure projects, schools, and hospitals.
• Helped establish a pro-India sentiment among Afghan officials.
• Reportedly gathered intel on cross-border terrorism that threatened Indian assets.

RAW’s role in Afghanistan helped India establish goodwill and regional influence, balancing Pakistan’s proxy presence.

8. Doklam Standoff Surveillance (2017)

Target: Chinese Incursion into Bhutan

In June 2017, Chinese troops began constructing a road in the Doklam region, a strategic tri-junction between India, Bhutan, and China.

• RAW provided satellite imagery and border surveillance data to the Indian Army.
• This allowed India to deploy troops quickly and stop the Chinese advance.

The 73-day standoff ended diplomatically, but RAW’s early warning system prevented territorial loss and demonstrated preparedness against China.

9. Operation Leech (1998)

Target: Arms Smuggling to Northeast Rebels

RAW uncovered that arms smugglers in Myanmar were supplying weapons to Indian insurgent groups like ULFA and NSCN.

• RAW, along with Indian Navy’s MARCOS, lured the smugglers into a trap under the guise of an arms deal.
• The smugglers were neutralized, and entire arms caches were seized.
• This weakened insurgency in India’s Northeast.

Operation Leech was a classic example of undercover ops and strategic deception.

10. Balakot Air Strikes (2019) – Intelligence Prep by RAW

Following the Pulwama terror attack, India retaliated with air strikes on Balakot, targeting a Jaish-e-Mohammed training camp.

• RAW helped identify the target location using drone and satellite surveillance.
• Provided logistical support and intel for the Air Force strike.
• Ensured stealth and secrecy, avoiding radar detection en route.

While the operation was executed by the IAF, RAW’s intel groundwork was essential to its success.

Challenges Faced by RAW

• Lack of Parliamentary Oversight: Unlike agencies like the CIA or MI6, RAW doesn’t report to Parliament, raising transparency concerns.
• Resource Constraints: Budget limitations hamper advanced tech adoption.
• Counterintelligence Threats: Risk from moles and foreign agents remains high.

Conclusion

RAW operates in the shadows but has played a definitive role in shaping India’s modern geopolitical stance. From influencing wars to intercepting terror plots and protecting regional allies, the agency remains a silent guardian of India’s national interest. As India’s global footprint expands, RAW’s importance will only grow in the 21st century.