TLDR;
This video discusses the covert conflict between India's Research and Analysis Wing (RAW) and the American Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) since India's independence. It covers key events such as the Kashmir Princess bombing, the formation of RAW, the 1971 war, India's nuclear tests, and RAW's involvement in countering Khalistani militancy. The video highlights RAW's significant achievements and the sacrifices of its officers, while also noting periods of vulnerability due to political interference and intelligence failures.
- The CIA has been working against India since its independence, aiming to weaken and control the country.
- RAW was formed in 1968 to counter the CIA and protect India's interests.
- RAW played a crucial role in the liberation of Bangladesh, India's nuclear program, and the integration of Sikkim.
- Political interference and intelligence failures have sometimes hampered RAW's effectiveness.
- RAW's covert operations and the sacrifices of its officers often go unrecognized.
Introduction: The Secret War Between RAW and CIA [0:00]
A hidden war has been ongoing between India's RAW and America's CIA since India gained independence. The CIA, established in 1947, aimed to protect American interests globally and had detailed intelligence on almost every country, which it used to exploit vulnerabilities. The CIA has toppled governments in 51 countries and instigated conflicts worldwide. The US has made many countries enemies and ruined the Middle East and Africa.
America's Focus on India [1:58]
In 1947, America targeted India, viewing it as a potential puppet state in South Asia. The CIA aimed to weaken India and make it dependent on the US. The CIA tried to isolate India globally and instigated wars and terrorism. In 1968, India formed RAW to counter the CIA and protect its interests. RAW played a key role in integrating Sikkim, dividing Pakistan, and suppressing the Khalistan movement.
The Kashmir Princess Incident [4:15]
In 1955, Air India Flight 300, also known as Kashmir Princess, exploded, killing 16 people. Chinese Premier Zhao Enlai was supposed to be on the plane, leading to suspicions of Indian involvement. An investigation revealed that the CIA was behind the incident, aiming to blame India and trigger a war between India and China.
The Non-Aligned Movement and CIA's Reaction [6:43]
India's Prime Minister Nehru started the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM), refusing to align with either the USA or the USSR. This irritated the USA, as 121 countries joined NAM. The CIA planned the Kashmir Princess bombing to trigger a war between India and China, founding members of NAM, and to portray India as an untrustworthy ally.
US Support for Pakistan and Soviet Influence in India [9:08]
The CIA then supported Pakistan, providing financial and military aid. This forced India to align with the USSR to maintain the balance of power. The USSR helped India with dam projects, universities, and hospitals. In 1957, the world's first elected communist government was formed in Kerala, India, signaling growing Soviet influence.
CIA's Interference in Kerala and Intelligence Failure [10:35]
The CIA worked to topple the CPI government in Kerala, instigating protests that led to the imposition of President's rule. India's Intelligence Bureau (IB) was clueless about the CIA's involvement. During the 1962 Indo-China war, the IB provided incorrect intelligence, leading to significant losses and territorial control by China.
The Deaths of Shastri and Bhabha [13:09]
After the 1965 Indo-Pak war, two nationalist leaders, Lal Bahadur Shastri and Homi Jehangir Bhabha, were murdered in 1966. Homi Bhabha had announced India would become a nuclear power by 1966, which the CIA opposed. The CIA station chief admitted the CIA was behind their deaths, but the IB had no knowledge of it.
The Formation of RAW [14:48]
After the 1965 war, Indira Gandhi tasked R. N. Kao with creating a new intelligence agency, RAW. Kao prepared a blueprint for RAW within 60 days, setting conditions for appointments and diversity. RAW would be a secret agency, with officers known by name, not position.
Challenges in Building RAW [17:03]
Building RAW was difficult, as the IB created obstacles by refusing to provide offices, furniture, and trained officers. Kao started RAW with only 250 officers, converting a closed theatre into an office. Officers were trained by elite intelligence agencies worldwide, including Israel, USSR, UK, and America.
RAW's Initial Missions and Confrontation with the US [18:31]
By 1970, RAW's first batch of officers was ready. They were deployed in Indian embassies under the guise of blue-collar jobs. Indira Gandhi threatened the US by refusing to implement economic policies on US terms and nationalizing banks and industries. The US responded by heavily militarizing Pakistan.
RAW's Role in the Liberation of Bangladesh [20:05]
RAW knew Pakistan was planning Operation Searchlight in East Pakistan. RAW advised Indira Gandhi to sign a friendship treaty with the USSR. RAW trained Bengali-speaking people, forming the Mukti Bahini. During the 1971 war, the USSR's nuclear submarine deterred the US Seventh Fleet, allowing India to fight comfortably. The Mukti Bahini and the Indian Army liberated Bangladesh, leading to the surrender of 100,000 Pakistani soldiers.
India's Nuclear Program and the Integration of Sikkim [22:19]
In 1974, India became a nuclear state with Operation Smiling Buddha. RAW prevented leaks by operating during the CIA satellite's blind spot and using code words. RAW also addressed the threat from Sikkim, where the CIA had made one of its agents the Queen. RAW supported leaders like Kazi Lhendup Darji, leading to a referendum in 1975 where 97.55% voted to join India. Ajit Doval, then a young RAW officer, played a key role in this mission.
The Dark Period of RAW During the Emergency [28:20]
During the Emergency in 1976, RAW faced allegations of being Indira Gandhi's private army. After the Janata Party won the 1977 elections, PM Morarji Desai cracked down on RAW, closing regional offices and removing top officers.
Morarji Desai's Actions and Pakistan's Nuclear Program [29:52]
PM Morarji Desai helped Pakistan become a nuclear state and exposed 150 RAW officers, who were then killed in Pakistan. RAW had discovered Pakistan's nuclear program at Kahuta and planned to destroy the facility. However, Morarji Desai informed Pakistani President Zia-ul-Haq, leading to the exposure and death of RAW officers.
RAW's Comeback and Countering Khalistani Militancy [33:51]
Indira Gandhi was re-elected in 1980, and RAW was reactivated to counter Khalistani militancy, which the CIA had instigated. RAW formed Team X and Team J to target terrorists in Pakistan. RAW received intelligence from Afghanistan's intelligence agency, Bay, and carried out covert killings of terrorists in Pakistan.
RAW's Secrecy and Dedication [38:12]
RAW does not declassify its operations or openly recruit like other agencies. Information about RAW's missions is often obtained from CIA documents or books by former officers. Despite this, RAW is praised by other intelligence agencies, including the CIA and Mossad. RAW officers make sacrifices for the country, often without recognition or appreciation.