Brain behind Operation Sindoor, 1989-batch officer Parag Jain appointed new R&AW chief

Jain is known within the intelligence community for his quiet, methodical style and preference for staying away from the limelight. Over the past decade, Jain has held several crucial overseas and domestic assignments including in Sri Lanka and Canada, apart from J&K and Punjab.

He served as India’s station chief in Sri Lanka during a politically sensitive period that saw a change in regime. Officials familiar with the development say Jain’s tenure coincided with major shifts in Colombo’s internal dynamics, and he played a critical role in shaping India’s intelligence assessment and engagement during that time.

Elections took place in September 2024 after widespread public protests and economic collapse in 2022 which led to President Gotabaya Rajapaksa leaving  office in July 2022. In the run-off poll on September 21, 2024, Anura Kumara Dissanayake—representing the JVP—won decisively, marking a shift away from the long-standing Rajapaksa political family.

During this crucial transition, sources said, Jain’s leadership as station chief contributed to shaping intelligence support that helped New Delhi navigate the tumultuous environment, counter anti-Indian influence, and maintain bilateral stability.

During his stint in Canada prior to being posted in Lanka, Jain dealt with Khalistan terrorism, sources said.

Jain was also posted briefly in J&K in the months following the abrogation of Article 370 in August 2019 — a time when the region was under intense security focus and intelligence operations were key to ensuring stability on the ground.

During his days in the Punjab Police, Jain served as SSP, Chandigarh, and DIG, Ludhiana. “He is a very good officer.  The case was cracked under his supervision,” said ADGP Rajesh Kumar Jaiswal, 1997-batch IPS officer, who worked under Jain as SSP, Ludhiana.

Mohd Mustafa, a 1985-batch IPS officer who has worked with Jain, said, “Parag is a good officer and a thorough gentleman. He is hard working, hands-on and a professional officer.”

Jain’s experience in both operational and technical intelligence, along with his stints in sensitive geopolitical theatres, is seen as an asset as he takes charge of the agency at a time of heightened strategic challenges in India’s neighbourhood.

In keeping with the traditions of R&AW, Jain has largely maintained a low public profile through his career. His appointment signals continuity in the agency’s leadership, with a focus on quiet efficiency and deep field experience. In his choice, the government has also gone with the traditional appointment based on seniority. His term is expected to run for two years.

(With inputs from ENS Chandigarh)