Context:
The need for a thorough revamp of India’s intelligence framework becomes evident when considering the presence of 14 intelligence agencies, each with diverse and sometimes overlapping responsibilities.
Relevance:
GS3- Internal Security
- Challenges to Internal Security through Communication Networks
- Cyber Security
- Security Challenges and their Management in Border Areas
- Various Security Forces and Agencies and their Mandate
Mains Question:
Reforms are urgently required in India’s intelligence structure to tackle issues related to coordination deficiencies and lapses in accountability. Analyse. (10 Marks, 150 Words).
Intelligence Agencies of India:
- These agencies were established in response to strategic shifts and past shortcomings. Following the 1962 conflict with China, the Directorate General of Security (DGS) was formed within the Intelligence Bureau (IB).
- Subsequently, after the 1965 war with Pakistan, external intelligence was separated into a distinct entity, the Research and Analysis Wing (R&AW), which also gave rise to the Special Bureau to enhance organizational effectiveness.
- Post the 1999 Kargil conflict, the Defence Intelligence Agency (DIA) and the National Technical Research Organisation (NTRO) were established.
- In India, the integral intelligence structure plays a pivotal role in upholding national security and interests, comprising several key components:
Research and Analysis Wing (RAW):
India’s primary foreign intelligence agency, RAW specializes in gathering intelligence concerning external threats and activities impacting the nation’s security. It engages in covert operations, including espionage, counter-terrorism, and counter-proliferation efforts.
Intelligence Bureau (IB):
As the internal intelligence agency of India, the IB concentrates on domestic intelligence and counter-intelligence. Its primary function is to collect information related to internal security threats, such as terrorism, communal violence, and subversive activities.
Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI):
While primarily an investigative agency, the CBI also encompasses an intelligence division. This division aids in gathering intelligence pertinent to high-profile cases, corruption, and economic offenses.
Defence Intelligence Agencies:
India possesses various military intelligence agencies, including the Directorate of Military Intelligence (DMI) and the Directorate of Naval Intelligence (DNI), tasked with collecting and analyzing intelligence related to national defense and military operations.
National Technical Research Organisation (NTRO):
NTRO specializes in technical intelligence and electronic surveillance, overseeing the monitoring of communication and electronic signals crucial for national security.
State Intelligence Agencies:
Each Indian state maintains its intelligence agency responsible for gathering information on local matters and potential threats within the state’s jurisdiction.
Other Agencies:
India also hosts specialized agencies dedicated to areas such as economic intelligence (Income Tax Department), cyber intelligence (National Cyber Coordination Centre), and nuclear intelligence (Bhabha Atomic Research Centre).
The collaborative functioning of India’s intelligence institutional network ensures the provision of actionable intelligence to the government and civil services. This network is instrumental in countering terrorism, protecting national interests, and upholding the security and sovereignty of the nation.
Other of Intelligence and Investigation Agencies in India:
- Aviation Research Centre
- Computer Emergency Response Team (CERT)
- Joint Cipher Bureau
- Directorate General of Income Tax Investigation
- Signals Intelligence Directorate
- Directorate of Revenue Intelligence
- Directorate of Navy Intelligence
- National Investigation Agency
- Directorate of Air Intelligence
- Directorate of Income Tax (Intelligence and Criminal Investigation)
- All India Radio Monitoring Service
Challenges in the Working of Intelligence Agencies:
- Persistent issues arise from the lack of coordination among these agencies. The absence of a Director of National Intelligence or a Coordinating Minister exacerbates this problem, and accountability remains a concern.
- The intelligence apparatus, rooted in the colonial-era police structure, faces challenges in adapting to contemporary issues.
- The Intelligence Bureau (IB), primarily focused on domestic and political affairs, encounters limitations in counterintelligence efforts. Despite initiatives like the Multi-Agency Centre (MAC), cooperation deficiencies persist.
- The R&AW, responsible for external intelligence gathering, faces challenges such as excessive reliance on TECHINT and insufficient development of human intelligence (HUMINT).
- The creation of the National Technical Research Organisation (NTRO) and the Defence Intelligence Agency (DIA) aimed at addressing technological aspects, but issues such as overlapping mandates and coordination gaps have emerged.
- It is crucial to initiate reforms by identifying contemporary challenges, specializations, and implementing oversight mechanisms.
- In 2001, a Group of Ministers suggested elevating the IB to the status of the premier Counter-Terrorism agency, leading to the establishment of MAC and Subsidiary MACs for intelligence amalgamation.
- In terms of oversight, India lacks effective mechanisms for its intelligence agencies. Suggestions include appointing individuals with a deep understanding of operational modalities at a macro level or establishing a National Intelligence Board for monitoring.
- While drawing inspiration from the principles of the 5 Eyes ideology, I4C, overseen by the Ministry of Home Affairs, has not been efficiently implemented in the domain of digital warfare.
- The effectiveness in addressing counter-terrorism and counter-insurgency issues remains a significant worry.
- The inability to establish the National Counter-terrorism Centre (NCTC) and ongoing conflicts between different agencies emphasize the necessity for a robust system
Way Forward:
- Apex-level management needs improvement, potentially through the appointment of a full-time intelligence adviser or a Director of National Intelligence under the NSA or MHA.
- Personnel issues, including challenges with Human Intelligence (HUMINT) and Technical Intelligence (TECHINT), need to be addressed.
- While big data analysis is in its early stages, considerations about privacy and legislative authorization for extensive data scrutiny are crucial.
- The shortage of skilled manpower for HUMINT is a significant concern, and enhancing military expertise within intelligence agencies is essential.
Conclusion:
Coordination and tasking, especially between the Centre and states, are deficient and require legislative attention. The Intelligence Cycle needs refinement, emphasizing a clear demarcation between collection and analysis. It is crucial to ensure successful prosecutions following counter-terrorism arrests. Hence, reforms are urgently required in India’s intelligence structure to tackle issues related to coordination deficiencies and lapses in accountability.
