Secretary of the Research and Analysis Wing
| Secretary, Research and Analysis Wing of India | |
|---|---|
| सचिव, अनुसंधान एवं विश्लेषण विंग | |
Emblem of India | |
since 1st July, 2025 | |
| Cabinet Secretariat Research & Analysis Wing | |
| Status | Head of R&AW |
| Member of | Strategic Policy Group National Security Council |
| Reports to | |
| Residence | Classified |
| Seat | Seva Teerth-2, Cabinet Secretariat, New Delhi |
| Appointer | Appointments Committee of the Cabinet |
| Term length | Typically 2 years, can be extended |
| Inaugural holder | R. N. Kao |
| Formation | 1968 |
| Succession | 23rd (on the Indian order of precedence) |
| Salary | ₹225,000 (US$2,700) monthly |
| Website | Classified |
| India portal |
The Secretary of the Research and Analysis Wing (Sachev, Anusandhan evam Vishleshan Wing) is the seniormost non-elected official of the Research and Analysis Wing (R&AW), India's external intelligence agency. The post is generally held by a senior officer from the Indian Police Service (IPS). The Secretary R&AW reports directly to the Prime Minister of India and is responsible for all intelligence operations abroad.
The first secretary was R. N. Kao, who established the agency in 1968. As the head of R&AW, the secretary is responsible for intelligence collection, covert operations, and national security assessments.