Is R&AW Getting a RAW Deal?

A Critical Response to "The Print's" Analysis of R&AW's Performance.

Our Response to an Article on R&AW’s Performance

Praveen Swami’s article in The Print, titled "R&AW must answer why it tolerates poor tradecraft, recruitment standards, officer oversight," provides a sharp and thoughtful analysis of the challenges facing India's external intelligence agency, the Research and Analysis Wing (R&AW). In the wake of recent global developments—particularly the alleged unsuccessful plot to assassinate Khalistan propagandist and U.S. citizen Gurpatwant Singh Pannun on American soil—the article raises important concerns about the agency's recruitment methods, operational failures, and lack of oversight.

Swami’s assessment offers a detailed look at the urgent need for reform within R&AW, highlighting vulnerabilities that could hinder its effectiveness in addressing both domestic and international threats.

While the article sheds valuable light on key issues, there is an opportunity to explore a broader discussion, incorporating additional viewpoints on how the agency can more effectively address these challenges and adapt to emerging global threats, apart from learning from China.

Recruitment and Diversity: A Path to Broader Capabilities

The article critiques R&AW's recruitment practices, particularly the reliance on IPS officers who join the agency on deputation after serving as Senior Superintendents of Police (SSPs) in the districts. These officers, having held positions of significant authority in the field, are often thrust into entirely different roles at R&AW after only a brief six-month training. Swami suggests that this approach fosters a hegemony of IPS officers, preventing the agency from developing its own specialised cadre, especially in leadership positions.

He questions the effectiveness of this practice, arguing that a deep understanding of the country’s complex intelligence needs requires long-term training and experience. A typical "field-type" IPS officer with just 6 to 9 years of service may lack the specialised skills and in-depth intelligence knowledge necessary to perform effectively in such a critical role.

Broadening R&AW's Recruitment: A Path to Enhanced Capability

The debate surrounding the role of Indian Police Service (IPS) officers in agencies like R&AW is ongoing. While there is no inherent issue with IPS officers joining early in their careers and becoming long-term members, as seen in the Intelligence Bureau (IB), the need to expand recruitment beyond this insular approach is undeniable.

To strengthen R&AW’s capabilities, recruitment should be broadened to include candidates from a wider range of backgrounds, including the armed forces and other multidisciplinary fields. Armed forces officers bring valuable operational experience, particularly in understanding military conflicts and strategic decision-making. Their expertise could significantly enhance the agency's ability to handle complex national security scenarios.

Multi-disciplinary Skills and Superspecialists Required

Moreover, expanding recruitment to include specialists from diverse fields such as cybersecurity, cryptocurrency, surveillance, and human psychology would better equip R&AW to tackle evolving non-traditional security challenges. Cyber threats are increasingly becoming a critical area of concern, and expertise in cybersecurity and cryptocurrency is essential for navigating the digital landscape. Surveillance experts can provide deeper insights into monitoring emerging threats, while knowledge of human psychology is invaluable for understanding behavioural patterns in intelligence work, aiding both in counterterrorism and counterintelligence operations.

This infusion of fresh perspectives and specialised knowledge would undoubtedly boost the agency’s effectiveness in intelligence-gathering, operational strategy, and anticipating global threats. By integrating expertise from these diverse areas, R&AW could enhance its adaptability and remain at the forefront of safeguarding national security in an increasingly complex world.

Parliamentary Oversight: A Case for Transparency and Accountability

The article also touches upon the sensitive issue of parliamentary oversight. The lack of an accountability mechanism for intelligence agencies in India has long been a point of concern. Chandigarh MP and former Union Minister Manish Tewari, in his recent remarks, advocated for increased parliamentary insight into the workings of India's intelligence agencies. This, he argued, would ensure that agencies like R&AW remain transparent and accountable while safeguarding national security.

Many democratic nations have adopted similar oversight frameworks, where parliamentary committees are tasked with reviewing intelligence operations without compromising sensitive details. Adopting a model that ensures robust oversight could improve public trust in these institutions, reassuring citizens that national security measures are being pursued ethically and within the bounds of law. Moreover, parliamentary oversight would also bring into check any potential misuse of the agency’s powers for political or personal agendas, thereby safeguarding the integrity of its operations.

Learning from China: Leveraging Social Media for Cyber Warfare

India can draw valuable lessons from China, where social media platforms have been strategically weaponised as instruments of cyber warfare, particularly to influence and collect data from American citizens. This tactic has been so effective that it led to a bipartisan law in the U.S. Congress, directing TikTok to either sell its stake by January 2025 or cease operations. While the litigation over this matter is still pending before the U.S. Supreme Court, it is worth noting that the content on TikTok for Chinese youngsters differs significantly. The platform in China encourages discipline, patriotism, and loyalty to the Chinese nation and the Communist Party, fostering a sense of national pride among its youth.

India, which prides itself on being a technology giant, should take heed of China's approach. Leveraging similar subtle and soft methods could serve to protect India's sovereign interests, particularly in neighbouring countries where governments and industries may not possess the technological sophistication to detect and counter such cyber Trojan horses. By employing social media and other digital platforms as tools for influence and intelligence, India could strengthen its presence and safeguard its interests in the region more effectively, all while promoting a sense of national unity and resilience against external threats.

Leadership Integrity: The Pillar of R&AW’s Effectiveness

Lastly, the integrity of the agency's leadership is paramount to its overall effectiveness. The article briefly alludes to this, but it warrants a more direct focus. In an intelligence agency, where decisions have far-reaching consequences for national security, the top echelons must consistently make decisions that are guided by national interest, free from any external or personal influences.

The notion that leaders at R&AW or any other intelligence agency could make decisions influenced by domestic politics, career progression, political pressures, or personal gain undermines the very foundation of the agency’s mission. The leadership should remain steadfastly apolitical, ensuring that R&AW functions independently, with a singular focus on protecting India's sovereignty and national security. Leadership integrity is not just a virtue but a necessity for any agency tasked with safeguarding a nation's secrets and strategic interests.

The Silent Successes of R&AW: A Call for Balanced Reform

The occasional hiccups, glitches, and failed operations of an agency like R&AW often dominate public discourse. However, its numerous and remarkable successes—along with those of the Intelligence Bureau (IB)—frequently go unnoticed and unappreciated. These agencies play a pivotal role, not only in conducting surgical strikes abroad to proactively neutralise dangerous anti-Indian elements but also in thwarting major terrorist activities within India. Yet, their triumphs remain unsung. The primary reason for this silence is the need to protect sensitive sources and preserve the clandestine methods essential for future operations. Publicising these successes could expose critical intelligence networks and compromise ongoing efforts. It is crucial to recognise that for every failed operation that spills into the public domain and faces scrutiny or criticism, there are likely at least 20 highly successful missions that remain hidden from public view for the sake of national security.

Summing Up: The Debate on Reform

The article in The Print successfully initiates a crucial conversation about R&AW's challenges but only scratches the surface of the deeper reforms required to modernise the agency. As India faces an increasingly complex global landscape, intelligence agencies must adapt to both traditional and emerging threats. The ongoing debate around R&AW’s reform is healthy, as it underscores India’s need to strengthen its security apparatus while maintaining accountability and professional standards.

Key reforms, such as diversifying recruitment, implementing parliamentary oversight, and ensuring leadership integrity, are vital to making R&AW a more effective and accountable institution. At the same time, it’s important to acknowledge the agency’s challenges without overlooking the remarkable work done behind the scenes to protect India’s interests.

India can also learn from global powers like China, which have successfully weaponised digital platforms and social media for influence and cyber warfare. As a tech giant, India must leverage similar methods to safeguard its sovereignty, particularly in neighbouring regions vulnerable to subtle cyber threats.

By embracing reforms and adopting global best practices, India’s intelligence agencies will remain at the forefront of national security, while upholding the democratic values that define the republic. Comprehensive reform will ensure that R&AW and IB are equipped to meet future challenges and continue their critical role in protecting the nation.