Mission RAW: India’S Secret Services Unraveled

by R.K. Yadav

This book would probably be the first eye opening account which has unlocked the main achievements and failures of Indian intelligence including IB and R&AW. There had been various assumptions, apprehensions and pretensions about the myths and realities of our intelligence among media, security analysts and in defence forces which have been threadbare for the public of this country in general and for the new generation in particular. It begins as to how the 'Thuggi and Dacoity' Department created by the British in 1904 took the shape of Research and Analysis Wing (R&AW) on September 21, 1968 which proved one of the most formidable intelligence agency of the world. Its founder R.N. Kao proved one of the most outstanding and legendary intelligence icon which has no parallel in the intelligence fraternity of the world. He outclassed Richard Helms of CIA and many other contemporaries of MI6 of Britain and Mossad of Israel while merging a territory of 3000 sq. miles of Sikkim within the Indian territory. There is no other example in the world intelligence as to how R&AW and its icon R.N. Kao carried out this task in the face of an imminent threat by China on its border. This book also reveals Kao's heroics in the liberation of Bangladesh which was also a monumental contribution.

This book also unfolds as to how Article 370 was enacted for the ego problem of Sheikh Abdullah by Jawaharlal Nehru and how Sheikh betrayed him later and was arrested for treason by IB. There had been numerous stories criticizing IB for its failure to provide adequate intelligence during the 1962 War with China and 1965 War with Pakistan. This book has given credible instances and information which indicate that there was no civil intelligence failure but the army bosses failed to use the inputs in the forward areas. Factual details as to how CIA hoodwinked the R&AW Joint Secretary Rabinder Singh and took him to USA through Nepal are also given in a separate chapter.

In addition to these achievements, the book has portrayed decline of the quality of intelligence which has now denigrated to a level which needs urgent reforms otherwise future of R&AW would be gloomy. Some insights of R&AW could be lethal to some individuals but in fact these are the real facts for which the author has no regret to reveal in national interest and for the attention of comming generation of intelligence officers. These revelations make a strong case for bringing the intelligence agencies of India under Parliament scrutiny like CIA of USA and other such agencies of the world democracies otherwise the happenings like attack on Parliament or 26/11 terrorist act of Mumbai are unlikely to be thwarted in future.

Genres: India, Espionage

528 pages, Paperback

First published April 8, 2014

Reviews

[Mahesh · Rating 4 out of 5]

Outstanding book. Full of never-before-known details. Explosive content. Highly recommended for readers interested in the genre of intelligence agencies, covert operations, etc.

[Manu Sharma · Rating 1 out of 5]

The reason why this book has sold some copies is because it probably is the only book on the subject. The author does not provide in text citations or references for many important facts. Most of the content is based on hearsay and the author's own perception and opinion. All in all a worthless read in espionage history. Below is an excerpt from a review of this book by Ryan Schaffer posted on the CIA's website: "...Mission R&AW is a difficult book to analyze because it has no footnotes, no endnotes, and no bibliography, which means there are no citations from secondary sources, archives, or documents to support the claims. The book is strongest when Yadav discusses what he witnessed and experienced, but the sections that contain historical narrative lack independent sources necessary to document the events. As an R&AW officer, Yadav could have laid some myths to rest, but this would have required verifiable citations and references. However, a book by a former R&AW officer will be in demand because there are not many works published on the subject and his first-hand observations provide a useful source for information about Indian intelligence."
https://www.cia.gov/library/center-fo...

[Vivek · Rating 4 out of 5]

Was an eye opener in terms of the details the author provides on the various major geo political events and lot of background and back channel whether it was Kashmir, Sikkim and other international affairs. The writing style makes it a bit tedious to read through but the facts really piqued my interest on the major players of RAW and its history. Considering there isn't much literature on RAW, this is a gem of a book. Though this is no unbiased version with the author colouring his opinions on the various players especially as move closer to the present as the book suddenly loses steam on facts and focusses on opinionated views.

[Ben Roberts · Rating 2 out of 5]

A bit of a let down

I am really interested in India and espionage in general, so this look at a non anglosphere intelligence agency seemed interesting. It is, however, not quite what I thought. I was instantly put off by the preface, which was really jingoistic and even sneering. I suspect the translation to English is quite bad, as the flow of the writing is quite difficult to latch on to, and it even seems kind of garbled (although perhaps the translation is doing it's best with poorly written source material). I don't think I can wade through 788 pages. Sorry. Can anyone recommend some decent books on RAW? I will try to make a go of this.

[Aryaman · Rating 5 out of 5]

The book provided important details on the working mechanism being used by the Research and Analysis Wing and how some of the politicians, for personal gain in the elections as well as political vendeta, on some occasions dragged the agency through the mud. It was especially saddening to read how Mr. Ansari, who was twice made the Vice President of this great country, didn't take up the issue of the abduction of the agents working for the agency in Iran when he was posted as India's Ambassador to Iran and had familial ties with the Iranian royal family.

[Rohit Kumar · Rating 4 out of 5]

It is really good book,in point of view my side about RAW mission.
So finally I want to read out whole book.

[Vinayan · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting read on how the RAW works and a tribute to KAO...but the author stretches himself in the second half and tends to dwell on bureaucracy. Treat this as a quick gossip read to get a broad brush on agency works.

[Athul · Rating 3 out of 5]

A large number of missing words and typos. Reckon it was all part of the mentality which intel guys work with. The author's version of history is good. Makes for a good dinner table conversation.

[Sawan Gupta · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very nice book. It explains in depth the history of RAW. Sometimes got confusing due to too many names used to keep track of. Full of thrilling and nerve-wracking info.

[Chetan Vasudev · Rating 3 out of 5]

Great insight into our recent past, shows what we(as a country) are capable of. The author's sectarian views probably prevented a far more unbiased discourse on the events that occurred.

[Khet Singh · Rating 3 out of 5]

Quite Interesting and worth reading for Understanding regional issues

[Naksh Sanson · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good Book. Few vague chapters but that's okay because it provides an insight in the working of RAW