Intelligence Agencies of India: RAW, IB, NIA, and Their Roles

Introduction

India's intelligence apparatus comprises multiple agencies operating under different ministries, each with distinct mandates. The two principal agencies are the Intelligence Bureau (IB) - domestic intelligence, and the Research and Analysis Wing (RAW) - external intelligence. Several specialised agencies also handle specific threats: NIA (terrorism), NCB (drugs), DRI (economic), and others. This note covers the structure, functions, oversight, and challenges of India's intelligence ecosystem.

Intelligence Bureau (IB)

Establishment and History

• Founded: 1887 (as Central Special Branch), restructured 1947.
• Administrative control: Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA).
• Director: IB Director is from IPS (or equivalent); fixed two-year tenure (post-2018 reform).

Mandate

• Internal intelligence - Collection and analysis of intelligence within India related to internal security, counter-terrorism, counter-intelligence, and border security.
• Personnel Security - Vetting of individuals for government positions and sensitive appointments.
• Interception and surveillance - Under provisions of the Telegraph Act 1885 and IT Act 2000.
• Counter-intelligence - Neutralising foreign intelligence operations within India.
• Border intelligence - Monitoring activities along India's borders (shared with BSF/SSB).

Organisational Structure

• Headquarters: New Delhi (with security classification).
• Field...