Parag Jain Appointed As New RAW Chief, To Assume Charge on July 1

Chandigarh (The Uttam Hindu): In a major development in India’s national security and intelligence setup, the Central Government has appointed senior IPS officer Parag Jain, a 1989-batch officer from the Punjab cadre, as the new Chief of the Research and Analysis Wing (RAW)—India's external intelligence agency.

Parag Jain will succeed Ravi Sinha, whose term as RAW chief concludes on June 30, 2025. Jain will officially take charge on July 1 for a fixed tenure of two years.

A Career Rooted in Intelligence and Strategy

With over three decades of service, Parag Jain brings a distinguished record in intelligence, security operations, and international diplomacy. He has held several high-profile roles, including serving as Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) in Chandigarh, and representing India in key overseas assignments in Canada and Sri Lanka.

Notably, Jain played a pivotal role during his tenure in Jammu and Kashmir, where he was instrumental in shaping and executing counter-terrorism strategies in a region long affected by insurgency and cross-border threats.

Key Role in Operation Sindoor

Parag Jain currently heads the Aviation Research Centre (ARC)—a critical wing of India’s intelligence architecture that specializes in aerial surveillance and signals intelligence. Under his leadership, the ARC provided decisive intelligence inputs on Pakistani military activity and terrorist hideouts, enabling the Indian Army to carry out the highly successful Operation Sindoor. The operation was hailed for its precision and strategic impact.

Looking Ahead

With India’s external security environment evolving rapidly amid global geopolitical shifts and regional challenges, Jain’s appointment is seen as a strategic move to strengthen India's intelligence posture. His deep understanding of regional threats and experience in handling sensitive intelligence operations is expected to enhance RAW’s operational effectiveness in the coming years.

Parag Jain’s tenure as RAW chief begins at a time when India faces complex external threats ranging from cross-border terrorism to cyber-espionage, and his leadership will be crucial in driving the agency’s response to these emerging challenges.

The intelligence community has welcomed the appointment, citing Jain's reputation for professionalism, discretion, and strategic foresight.