IB vs RAW

IB and RAW are the intelligence agencies of India. IB, which stands for Intelligence Bureau, is mainly associated with internal intelligence. RAW, which stands for Research and Analysis Wing of India, mainly deals with external intelligence.

Of the two, IB is the oldest intelligence agency. It has its roots in the Central Intelligence Bureau from 1947. The RAW was formed in 1968. It was after the Indo-Pak war and the Sino-Indian war that the country felt the need of an external intelligence agency, which led to the formation of RAW.

While the Intelligence Bureau is under the Home Ministry, the Research and Analysis Wing of India is directly under the Prime Minister’s office.

In responsibility, IB and RAW have different roles to play. The IB acquires intelligence within the country and the border areas and are assigned responsibilities related to counter-intelligence and counter-terrorism. The Intelligence Bureau also looked after the external intelligence until the formation of Research and Analysis Wing of India.

RAW always looks after external intelligence and tasks related to counter terrorism. Covert operations are one of the chief functions of RAW. They also contribute to the foreign policy making of the country. RAW monitors political as well as military developments in the neighbouring countries. Research and Analysis Wing of India also has a hand in moulding public opinion for the country on an international level.

The IB has persons from the military as well as the Indian Police Service. The IB director has always been an Indian Police Service officer. Organised along the lines of the CIA, RAW director is secretary (research) in the cabinet secretariat.

Summary

1. IB, which is Intelligence Bureau, is mainly associated with internal intelligence. RAW, which is Research and Analysis Wing of India, mainly deals with external intelligence.
2. While the Intelligence Bureau is under the Home Ministry, the Research and Analysis Wing of India is directly under the Prime Minister’s office.
3. The IB acquires intelligence within the country and the border areas and are assigned issues related to counter-intelligence and counter-terrorism.
4. RAW always looks after external intelligence and responsibilities related to counter terrorism. Covert operations are one of the chief functions of RAW. They also contribute to the foreign policy making of the country. RAW monitors political as well military developments in the neighbouring countries.
5. Of the two, IB is the oldest intelligence agency. It has its roots in the Central Intelligence Bureau from 1947. The RAW was formed in 1968.

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