Part 2: (click here to Read Part 1) By MSK
Role in India’s Domestic Politics. RAW also became a political instrument in internal politics which came to the fore during the infamous ‘emergency period’ under Prime Minister Mrs. Gandhi. Former Joint Secretary in Prime Minister Mrs. Gandhi’s Secretariat, B.N. Tandon stated, ‘under R.N. Rao the RAW conducted domestic, surveillance’s. I have seen several unsigned reports submitted by them…. RAW funds were used for party purposes.’
RAW was established on Kautilyan principles to undertake clandestine operations in neighboring states to destabilize them.
At the time of its establishment Mrs. Indira Gandhi said that its objective should be ‘the ability to get what one wants by whatever means: eloquence reasoned arguments, bluff, tirade or coercion, as well as, by arousing pity, annoying others, or making them uneasy.’
The objectives of establishing RAW were as follows: -
To monitor the political and military developments in all the adjoining countries, considered as having a direct bearing on India’s national security, and in the formulation of its foreign policy.
Monitor the development of international communism, particularly the conflict between China and Russia, as both the communist powers had direct, assess to the Communist Parties in India.
The supply of military hardware to Pakistan, mostly from European countries, US and China.
Maintain and strengthen contact with the large ethnic Indian diaspora in foreign countries, as they provided a powerful lobby abroad.
The main functions of RAW are as follows: -
To gather intelligence of vital concern to Indian interests in neighboring countries, major powers and countries with which India has political and economic ties.
- Offensive Intelligence.
- Counter Intelligence
- Special Missions.
RAW operates in a very sophisticated manner. RAW agents work under cover in Indian embassies and consulates abroad, as representatives of Indian news agencies in foreign countries and as Indian representatives in international agencies and business organizations etc. RAW has established its offices in Indian diplomatic missions, business organizations and corporations in major countries, such as China, Russia, Afghanistan, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Europe, North and South America and Middle East. Moreover, as also practiced by other intelligence agencies in the world, RAW has also undertaken covert operations both independently and in cooperation with agencies of other countries. For example, during the 1950s and 60s with the assistance of CIA, RAW aided the Tibetan rebellion by providing them training facilities in India.
RAW has been organized on the pattern of American agency – CIA, the Russian agency – KGB, the British agency – MI-6, and Israeli intelligence – MOSSAD. With MOSSAD, RAW has developed a special relationship that goes back to early days. According to reports, when RAW was established in September 1968, Prime Minister Indira Gandhi had asked Rameshwar Nath Kao to establish relations with MOSSAD. Mrs. Gandhi believed that relations between the two intelligence agencies were important to monitor developments that could threaten India and Israel. It is in this context, R.N. Kao established secret relationship with MOSSAD. Though India has not then established full-fledged diplomatic relations with Israel, as early as in the 1950s, New Delhi allowed Israel to establish a consulate in Mumbai, at a time when it was openly espousing the Palestinian cause. This was where the RAW – MOSSAD contacts developed and have strengthened over time since then.
RAW has also sent its personnel to Israel for specialized training. According to Indian journalist, Manoj Joshi, in his article in Frontline in June 1993, after the assassination of Mrs. Gandhi in 1984, RAW had invited an Israeli Security Specialist to advise on the Prime Minister’s security system. The fifteenth chief of RAW, C.D. Sahay, who took charge in April 2003, became the first RAW chief to have undergone training with the Israeli intelligence. C.D. Sahay is known to have both operational and analytical experience. He held the charge of Pakistan desk in RAW and had also served in Pakistan.
RAW and MOSSAD cooperation is very significant in the context of Indian policies and activities in Pakistan and Indian Held Kashmir. Israeli Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister, Shimon Peres, during his visit to India in May 1993, supported the Indian stand on Kashmir calling it an integral part of India and also suggested a massive resettlement of non-Muslims in the Kashmir Valley to change the population complexion there. There were also reports in 1993 of the presence of MOSSAD agents in occupied Kashmir. A June 1996 report in Jane’s Defence Weekly stated that Israel was providing India with intelligence on Pakistan from its spy satellite ‘Ofek.
A report published in a leading Indian newspaper in 2001 revealed the extent of cooperation between RAW and MOSSAD. The Pioneer reported in its issue of March 3, 2001 that the ‘Fencing of the Indo-Pak border is not enough. To check Pakistan-sponsored cross-border terrorism, top security experts of Israel have suggested that hi-tech-gadgets ranging from an electronic barrier system of radars to thermal imaging devices should be immediately installed on Indian’s sensitive international border in Jammu and Kashmir and Punjab sectors. India is keen to purchase surveillance aircraft (UAVs) from Israel to gain intelligence teeth.
To be Continued in Part 3
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{ 1 comment… read it below or add one }
Sir_
i am subhasish. i am a science graduate from calcutta university. two times i have conference out from ssb interview. i know little bit of spanish. sir i want to do something for my country. please give a scope to work as a free lancer.
regards_
subhasish