Intelligence Agencies | Famous Books for UPSC Exam (Summary & Tests) PDF Download

R&AW (Research and Analysis Wing) - India

Established: 21st September 1968
Headquarters: New Delhi, India
R&AW came into existence following the intelligence failures of the Sino-Indian War, prompting the Indian government to establish a specialized agency dedicated to foreign intelligence gathering. Prior to R&AW, the Intelligence Bureau (IB) handled both internal and external intelligence. R&AW's primary objective is intelligence gathering in West & East Pakistan and China, as well as restricting the supply of weapons to Pakistan from western countries.

CIA (Central Intelligence Agency) - United States of America

Established: National Security Act of 1947
Headquarters: Virginia, United States
The CIA is an independent agency under the National Security Council and is responsible for correlating and evaluating intelligence related to national security. It plays a vital role in disseminating relevant intelligence within the U.S. government.

Mossad - Israel

Established: 13th December 1949
Headquarters: Tel Aviv, Israel
The Institute for Intelligence and Special Operations, commonly known as Mossad, serves as Israel's intelligence agency. Mossad focuses on intelligence and special operations to safeguard Israel's national interests.

ISI (Inter-Services Intelligence) - Pakistan

Established: 1948
Headquarters: Islamabad, Pakistan
The Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) of Pakistan has become an influential agency with a significant impact on regional politics, international relations, guerilla warfare, and counter-terrorism efforts. Controlled by the Pakistan Army, ISI plays a crucial role in the country's domestic and international matters.

MI6 (Secret Intelligence Service) - United Kingdom

Established: 1909
Headquarters: Vauxhall Cross, London, United Kingdom
The Secret Intelligence Service, commonly known as MI6, is responsible for collecting secret foreign intelligence concerning Britain's vital interests in areas such as security, defense, serious crime, foreign, and economic policies.

GRU (Main Intelligence Agency) - Russia

Established: Not specified
Headquarters: Not specified
The Main Intelligence Agency, also known as GRU, is Russia's military intelligence agency. It conducts a wide range of intelligence missions, from tactical to strategic, and is involved in cyber operations, disinformation, propaganda, and assassination operations. The GRU plays a significant role in Russia's foreign and security policies.

MSS (Ministry of State Security) - China

Established: 1983
Headquarters: Beijing, China
The Ministry of State Security (MSS) is China's primary civilian intelligence and counter-intelligence service. It is tasked with safeguarding national security, maintaining political and social stability, and investigating organizations or individuals perceived to harm China's national security.