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New Delhi: The central government announced the appointment of Parag Jain, a 1989-batch Indian Police Services (IPS) officer from the Punjab cadre, as the new chief of the Research & Analysis Wing (RAW).

Jain, who currently heads the Aviation Research Centre, will assume his new post on July 1st, 2025, for a two-year term, succeeding Ravi Sinha, whose tenure concludes on June 30th.

The Department of Personnel & Training (DoPT) officially confirmed the appointment, citing the Appointments Committee of the Cabinet’s approval. “The Appointments Committee of Cabinet has approved the appointment of Shri Parag jain (PB:89) to the post of Secretary, Research & Analysis Wing (R$AW) under the Cabinet Secretariat for a tenure of two years from the date of assumption of the charge of the post or until further orders, whichever is earlier, in terms of provisions of FR 56 (d) and Rule 16 (1A) of All India India Service (Death-cum-Retirement Benefits) Rule, 1958,” DoPT said in an order.

Jain’s career has been marked by significant contributions to national security by holding some top positions. He played a crucial role in Operation Sindoor, leveraging intelligence gathered by the Aviation Research Centre to facilitate precise targeting of Pakistani terror infrastructure. His expertise in combining human intelligence (HUMINT) with technical intelligence (TECHINT) has reportedly been instrumental in several high-stakes operations, earning him the moniker of “super sleuth” within intelligence circles, according to the India Today report.

His experience extends beyond Operation Sindoor. Early in his career, during the height of Punjab insurgency, Jain served in key operational roles in Bhatinda, Mansa, and Hoshiarpur. Further showcasing his international experience, he has represented India in both Canada and Sri Lanka. His posting in Canada, particularly, involved directly addressing the growing Khalistani movement, issuing timely warnings to Delhi about the escalating threat.

Senior officials describe Jain as methodical and discreet, characteristics fitting for the demands of RAW’s top position. His career trajectory is noteworthy, including promotion to the rank of Director General of Police (DGP) in Punjab in 2021.

Jain’s selection culminates weeks of speculation regarding Sinha’s successor. His extensive operational experience, coupled with his demonstrated ability to manage complex intelligence gathering operations like Operation Sindoor, positions him to lead RAW into a new era. His background and reputation within the intelligence community suggest a focus on proactive intelligence gathering and swift, decisive action.