Who is Parag Jain, India's new RAW Chief? A look at the spy master's career

Senior IPS officer Parag Jain has been appointed as the new chief of India’s external intelligence agency, the Research and Analysis Wing (RAW). Jain will take over from outgoing RAW chief Ravi Sinha, whose term ends on June 30, 2025.

Parag Jain, a 1989-batch IPS officer of the Punjab cadre, will assume charge on July 1 for a fixed two-year term. Known for his deep expertise in intelligence operations, strategic surveillance, and regional geopolitics, Jain is currently the second senior-most officer in RAW and heads its Aviation Research Centre (ARC)—a critical wing responsible for aerial surveillance and reconnaissance.

Parag Jain’s RAW experience and key assignments

Jain brings with him over two decades of experience within RAW, having held several sensitive portfolios, including long stints overseeing the Pakistan desk. He has played a key operational role during pivotal national security events, including the abrogation of Article 370 in Jammu and Kashmir.


Within RAW, Jain is widely regarded for his sharp operational insights and deep institutional knowledge. His appointment is seen as a move to ensure continuity and tactical depth in India’s external intelligence apparatus.

Strong counter-terror background

Before joining RAW, Jain served in Punjab during the peak of militancy, where he held posts such as Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) and Deputy Inspector General (DIG) in several districts. His ground-level policing experience in terrorism-affected areas laid a strong foundation for his later work in intelligence.

International exposure

Jain has also been posted in Indian Missions in Sri Lanka and Canada, where he handled diplomatic intelligence operations. Notably, during his stint in Canada, he was tasked with tracking Khalistani terror modules operating from foreign soil—a role that underlines his global counter-terrorism credentials.

What Parag Jain’s appointment means for RAW

Jain’s appointment comes at a time when India’s foreign intelligence operations face complex challenges, ranging from cross-border terrorism to geopolitical tensions with China and Pakistan. With his extensive operational experience and domain expertise, Jain is expected to further sharpen RAW’s surveillance and counter-intelligence capabilities.