Ravi Sinha is not new to R&AW. He has been serving in the organisation for over a decade. As special secretary he headed the operational division of R&AW
The Centre earlier last week appointed Ravi Sinha, a 1988 batch Chhattisgarh cadre IPS officer, as the new chief of India’s external intelligence agency, Research and Analysis Wing (R&AW), for a period of two years. Sinha’s appointment to the top post was made considering his operational capabilities in the Jammu and Kashmir region, his widespread experience in dealing with the Left-Wing extremism and his work in the North Eastern region.
The order from the Central government stated, “The Appointments Committee of Cabinet (ACC) has approved the appointment of Ravi Sinha, IPS, special secretary, Cabinet Secretariat, as Secretary, Research and Analysis Wing vice Samant Goel on completion of his tenure on 30 June 2023, for a tenure of two years from the date of assumption of the charge of the post, or until further orders, whichever is earlier.”
Ravi Sinha is not new to R&AW and has been serving in the organisation for over a decade now. He has been serving with the top external intelligence agency as a special secretary and has been heading the operational division of R&AW.
Sinha is also known for his contribution towards the development of technology and the introduction of high-end technological advancement in to India’s intelligence wing. He is also known among his peers as a man of modern technology. He was also instrumental in advocating and introducing technology for intelligence gathering and operations. His appointment comes at a crucial time when India is looking at effective ways to counter information and psychological warfare being undertaken by Pakistan and other countries that are on the wrong side of India.
Sinha’s peers say that his expertise on technology and his experiences in Jammu and Kashmir, his experiences in dealing with Left-wing extremism and in the North Eastern region would help the organisation to counter terrorism in these areas. His peers also say that his widespread knowledge and resources in neighbourhood countries would also bring in added advantage to the organisation.
Sinha has earlier served in countries like Myanmar, Hong Kong, China and Bhutan. He is also believed to be well-versed in the subject of Khalistan and Khalistani elements that are trying to disturb Punjab.
Officials within the intelligence wings further stated that his first-hand experience in dealing with issues in the North East and Jammu and Kashmir would benefit the organisation. Many also say that his expertise in harmonious synchronisation of technology and human intelligence gathering would be a boost to the organisation.
Sinha is a graduate from Delhi’s St. Stephen’s college, Delhi University, and will succeed Samant Goel, who was appointed to the prestigious position in 2019. Goel received two extensions and would complete his term on 30 June this year.
Goel, who will be demitting the office of the R&AW, could be appointed as the chief of NTRO (National Technical Research Organisation). NTRO is the national technical intelligence agency arm of India that is directly under the National Security advisor and the Prime Minister’s Office.
Goel has also led the agency to its glory over the last couple of years. His counter terrorism operations in Jammu and Kashmir are lauded by his colleagues and peers alike. His handling of the “rising” Khalistani problem in Punjab is also something that is being talked about within the intelligence circles. Goel is also commended for his excellent job in the Balakot strike, which India carried out to take out terrorist hideouts within Pakistan. The Balakot surgical strike was planned after Pakistani terrorists killed at least 50 CRPF jawans in Kashmir in 2019.