List of Indian Intelligence agencies
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India has a number of intelligence agencies. The most well known are the Research and Analysis Wing, India’s external intelligence agency and the Intelligence Bureau, the internal intelligence agency.
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Research and Analysis Wing
The RAW was formed in 1968 and carries out India’s external covert intelligence gathering. The RAW has espionage agents in India’s neighbouring countries especially in Pakistan and China. Although its budget is not known, some estimates peg it at $160 million. It is believed to employ around 10,000 agents.
Intelligence Bureau
The IB was established in 1947 to assume responsibility for India’s domestic security. The IB is shrouded in secrecy and there is little public information concerning its main operations. What is known is that the IB is responsible for background checks on appointees to diplomatic posts and judges before they take oath, and on civilians who apply for Ham radio licences.
Joint Cipher Bureau
The Joint Cipher Bureau works closely with the IB and RAW. It is responsible for cryptanalysis and encryption of sensitive data.
All India Radio monitoring service
The Central Monitoring Service of All India Radio monitors all radio broadcasts in India as well as all foreign radio broadcasts which can be received in India.
Joint Intelligence Committee
The JIC is entrusted with the tasks of coordinating intelligence between all government agencies, civilian and military.
Signals Intelligence Directorate
The Signals Intelligence directorate is part of the Indian army and runs the Central Monitoring Organisation which has a large number of stations in the country.
Aviation Research Centre
The ARC is the SIGINT (signals intelligence) arm of the RAW. It has stations in Dehradun, Tissukiya, Assam, Chakratta (near Cuttak) in Orrisa, and at Palam Airport, Delhi. It reports to the Director General of Security and RAW.
Directorate of Air Intelligence
The DIA is responsible for air and satellite reconnaissance missions.
Directorate of Navy Intelligence
This is the Indian Navy’s intelligence arm.
Special Service Bureau
This is a Special Operations unit with responsibility for reconnaissance behind enemy lines.