New Delhi: The government on Friday named Parag Jain, a 1989-batch IPS officer from the Punjab cadre, as the next chief of India’s external intelligence agency, the Research and Analysis Wing (R&AW). He succeeds Ravi Sinha, who retires on June 30.
Jain, known for his discreet and methodical approach, was heading the Aviation Research Centre (ARC) — R&AW’s technical arm — where he also handled the Pakistan desk. With a career spanning critical assignments in Sri Lanka, Canada, Jammu & Kashmir, and Punjab, Jain brings deep field and operational experience to the role.
During his tenure as station chief in Colombo, he played a key role in shaping India’s intelligence strategy amid Sri Lanka’s 2024 elections and political transition, following the 2022 economic crisis. In Canada, he was engaged in countering Khalistani extremism.
Jain also served in J&K shortly after the revocation of Article 370, a period marked by intense intelligence activity. Earlier in his career, he held senior policing roles in Chandigarh and Ludhiana, earning praise from colleagues for his leadership and professionalism.
His appointment reflects continuity and seniority in R&AW’s leadership, with an expected tenure of two years.
