RAW and Intelligence Bureau Must Collaborate as First Arms of Offence and Defence, Says Vikram Sood
Former secretary of the Research and Analysis Wing (R&AW) Vikram Sood stated that India’s external intelligence service and the Intelligence Bureau must function in close coordination, describing them as the nation’s primary arms of offence and defence in the geopolitical arena.
What Happened
Speaking at an event in Chennai organized jointly by the Chennai International Centre and the Deccan Centre for International Affairs, Vikram Sood took part in a discussion titled “Covert Wars and Great Power Games” alongside C. Balasubramanian, senior advisor at the Deccan Centre for International Affairs.
During the session, the former intelligence chief emphasized the division of responsibilities and the need for synergy between domestic and external security apparatuses, pointing out that external intelligence acts as the first arm of offence while the Intelligence Bureau represents the foremost arm of defence. He also commented on the fast-paced nature of modern global developments, the challenges posed by disinformation, and broader international conflicts involving the United States, Iran, and regional powers.
Key Highlights
- Agency Synergy: Sood stressed that the external intelligence agency serves as the country’s first arm of offence, whereas the Intelligence Bureau operates as its initial arm of defence in geopolitics, requiring both to work hand in hand.
- Navigating Modern Challenges: Highlighting rapid global shifts and widespread disinformation, Sood expressed confidence that Indian personnel have devised methods to work around these complex informational challenges.
- Reflections on Iran and the US: Sood observed that while the United States believed it could rapidly conclude actions in Iran, Iranian authorities had anticipated and prepared for ruthless action, drawing lessons from past American military engagements in the Balkans during the 1990s and in Iraq under George W. Bush.
- Regional Dynamics: Touching upon regional affairs, Sood remarked that while Pakistan may be planning another strike, neither Saudi Arabia nor Turkey would enter the conflict, describing Middle Eastern developments as local efforts to keep Iran down and convey independence to Donald Trump regarding security purchases.
- Critique of US Foreign Policy: Sood questioned the assertion that the US has historically fought on behalf of democracy, stating instead that it acted out of national interests, citing a period where 65 non-democratic and autocratic nations supported US campaigns while ostensibly fighting for democracy.
Why This Matters
The remarks offer perspective on the collaborative requirements between internal and external intelligence branches to safeguard national sovereignty. With geopolitical changes unfolding rapidly alongside information warfare and narrative creation, intelligence coordination remains vital to addressing cross-border threats and international shifts.
What to Watch Next
Observers of international relations and security strategy will monitor how regional alignments develop across the Middle East and how external intelligence bodies adapt to pervasive disinformation and narrative-driven operations highlighted by veteran practitioners.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Vikram Sood?
Vikram Sood is a former secretary of India’s external intelligence organization, the Research and Analysis Wing (R&AW), and the author of books including “The Unending Game”, “The Ultimate Goal”, and “Great Power Games”.
What event did Vikram Sood address?
He addressed a discussion titled “Covert Wars and Great Power Games”, organized by the Chennai International Centre and the Deccan Centre for International Affairs in Chennai.
Source: The Hindu