Tenure of RAW Chief extended by one year

June 25, 2022

On June 24, 2022 the tenure of current chief of Research and Analysis wing (RAW), Samant Kumar Goel, was extended by one year.

Key Points

Tenure was extended by appointments committee of cabinet (ACC), till June 30, 2023.
It is the second extension of service for Samant Kumar Goel.
He is a 1984-batch IPS officer from Punjab cadre. He had completed his fixed tenure of two-year as RAW secretary on June 30, 2021. However, he has neem given extension.
He is the third RAW chief, to get tenure of over three years.
Before him, founder chief of RAW R N Kao served for 9 years. Furthermore, N F Suptnook served for 6 years.

Background

Samant Goel is an Af-Pak expert. He was instrumental in India’s planning for the Balakot strikes in February 2019, after Pulwama attack by Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM). He also played a significant role in coordinating with army for surgical strikes, following the URI attack in September 2016.

The Research and Analysis Wing (RAW)

RAW is the foreign intelligence agency of India. Its primary function is to gather foreign intelligence, counter-proliferation, counter-terrorism, advancing India’s foreign strategic interests and advising Indian policymakers. It is also involved in security of nuclear programme in India. It is headquartered in New Delhi.

Head of RAW

The head of R&AW is designated as Secretary (Research) in Cabinet Secretariat. He is under the authority of Indian Prime Minister, without parliamentary oversight. The director reports to the cabinet Secretary, on an administrative basis, who reports to the Prime Minister.

Objectives of RAW

To monitor the political, military, scientific and economic developments in countries having direct bearing on national security of India and formulation of its foreign policy.
To mould international public opinion as well as influence foreign governments.
To conduct operations, in a bid to safeguard India’s National interests.
To conduct anti-terror operations and neutralising elements, which are threat to India.

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