Dilip Cherian and Parag Jain taking on the role of RAW Chief could be a transformative move in the realm of Indian Espionage.
India is witnessing significant changes in its strategic core and administrative institutions, with the appointment of Parag Jain as the new chief of the Research and Analysis Wing (RAW) and the ongoing struggle to operationalise the Goods and Services Tax Appellate Tribunal (GSTAT).
Parag Jain, a seasoned intelligence officer and a 1989-batch Indian Police Service (IPS) officer from the Punjab cadre, has been appointed as the new RAW chief. His appointment, approved by the Appointments Committee of the Cabinet, will see him take over from Ravi Sinha on July 1, 2025, for a two-year term. Jain's background includes serving as the head of the Aviation Research Centre (ARC), where he played a pivotal role in 'Operation Sindoor', providing critical intelligence support that enabled precise strikes on terror infrastructure in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK).
The transition in leadership at RAW comes at a time when India is navigating complex external security challenges and evolving geopolitical dynamics. Jain's appointment brings decades of intelligence expertise to the forefront, particularly his experience in dealing with Pakistan and cross-border operations. His role in Operation Sindoor highlights his ability to coordinate and execute high-stakes intelligence operations.
Meanwhile, the GSTAT, intended to ease the load on overburdened courts, remains inoperative, nearly eight years after the launch of the Goods and Services Tax. Despite a selection process that saw over a hundred candidates interviewed during the summer of 2024, the process has since stalled, leaving the tribunal in a state of limbo reminiscent of a classic Indian institution-in-the-making. As disputes continue to mount, the GSTAT needs 72 members but currently has none.
Air India, which has been facing numerous issues such as crashes, cancellations, tech meltdowns, and passenger horror stories, is in need of accountability, training, maintenance, and leadership that knows how to stay ahead of bad headlines. Another selection round for the GSTAT was attempted in May 2025, but was halted due to a judicial aspirant moving the Odisha high court.
India's strategic core is in the middle of a transition. The departure of Revenue secretary Sanjay Malhotra, a key figure in the GSTAT process, to become RBI governor, and the impending end of National security adviser Ajit Doval's tenure, add to the sense of change. Jain's background in integrating human intelligence (HUMINT) and technical intelligence (TECHINT) suggests a robust approach to intelligence gathering and analysis, which could prove crucial in enhancing the effectiveness of India's strategic core.
In summary, Parag Jain's appointment as the new RAW chief marks a significant transition in India's strategic core. His expertise and experience are expected to enhance India's external intelligence capabilities, particularly in dealing with complex geopolitical challenges and cross-border security threats. Meanwhile, the GSTAT remains in a state of limbo, with disputes continuing to mount while the tribunal remains inoperative.
- Parag Jain's extensive experience in intelligence and his notable role in 'Operation Sindoor' signify a potential for growth in the realm of politics, policy-and-legislation, and general-news.
- Businesses and career-development prospects may find inspiration in Jain's leadership appointment as he takes over the Research and Analysis Wing (RAW), given his proven ability to facilitate precision in difficult situations.
- In the realms of education-and-self-development, leadership, and career-development, the ongoing struggle to operationalise the Goods and Services Tax Appellate Tribunal (GSTAT) demonstrates the intricacies of policy-making and legislative processes.
- The unfolding changes in India's strategic core, as exemplified by the appointment of Parag Jain as RAW chief and the challenges faced by GSTAT, underscore the importance of robust leadership, effective policy, and strategic planning in the finance, business, and political sectors.
