Parag Jain IPS Biography
Parag Jain IPS was born on January 1, 1967, in Punjab, India. At his local school in Amritsar, Parag excelled in history and political science, subjects that later formed the basis of his academic pursuits. After completing his bachelor’s degree, he went on to earn a Master’s in History followed by an MBA in Public Service, blending his love of India’s past with practical skills in administration. Parag Jain IPS is 58 years old as of 2025.
His disciplined approach—waking at dawn for study and sport—prepared him for the rigours of India’s civil services exams. In 1989, Parag succeeded in the highly competitive Union Public Service Commission tests and joined the Indian Police Service, Punjab cadre, marking the start of a distinguished career.
Parag Jain IPS Career
Parag Jain was part of the 1989-batch Indian Police Service (IPS) officer. As a young IPS officer in Punjab during the early 1990s, Parag Jain served in some of the state’s most challenging districts at the height of militancy. He held key positions—Senior Superintendent of Police in Bathinda, Hoshiarpur, Mansa, and Chandigarh—where he earned praise for dismantling extremist networks without resorting to heavy‑handed tactics. His ability to build community trust alongside targeted operations led to safer neighbourhoods and restored confidence in law enforcement.
In January 2021, Parag was promoted to the rank of Director General of Police (DGP) in Punjab, even as he continued on central deputation. His experience in grassroots policing caught the attention of India’s external intelligence agency, R&AW. He undertook overseas postings in Canada, where he monitored Khalistani networks, and in Sri Lanka, coordinating closely with local authorities during a delicate post‑conflict transition.
Within R&AW, Parag rose to head the Pakistan desk, guiding intelligence efforts during critical national events such as the abrogation of Article 370 in Jammu and Kashmir and Operation Balakot in 2019. His blend of human intelligence (HUMINT) and technical intelligence (TECHINT) earned him recognition as an “operational maestro.”
Most recently, Parag led the Aviation Research Centre (ARC), R&AW’s aerial surveillance wing responsible for signals tracking, imagery reconnaissance, and covert air missions. In May 2025, he emerged as the architect of Operation Sindoor, where ARC‑sourced intelligence pinpointed terror training camps in Pakistan and PoK. That mission’s precision missile strikes underscored his strategic acumen and cemented his reputation as a “super sleuth” in India’s security community. In 2005, he had already been honoured with the Police Medal for Meritorious Service, recognising his effectiveness and integrity in challenging environments.
Parag Jain IPS Personal Life
Parag Jain IPS is married to Sukriti Jain, and they are blessed with two children. Despite his high‑profile roles, Parag remains approachable. He mentors junior officers, inviting them to tea and open conversation, sharing lessons from decades of service. He and Sukriti regularly host cultural evenings, introducing friends to Punjabi folk music and cuisine, while also celebrating India’s diverse traditions. His personal values—humility, sincerity, and a commitment to justice—shine through his interactions whether he is in diplomatic talks overseas or walking Mumbai’s film festival venues during cultural outreach events.
Parag Jain IPS Appointment
On Saturday, June 28, 2025, the Government of India announced that Parag Jain would take over as Secretary of the Research and Analysis Wing (R&AW) effective July 1. Approved by the Appointments Committee of the Cabinet, his two‑year tenure succeeds that of Ravi Sinha. In the formal notification, the government cited Parag’s “distinguished record in both domestic policing and external intelligence operations” as the basis for his selection.
As R&AW chief, Parag faces immediate challenges: enhancing India’s human‑terrain networks in neighbouring countries, tightening counter‑terror financing channels, and integrating real‑time technical intelligence with on‑ground sources. His first cabinet meeting under Prime Minister Narendra Modi will focus on revamping field intelligence to prevent setbacks like the April 2025 Pahalgam attack. With tensions rising along Pakistan’s border due to suspension of the Indus Water Treaty, Parag’s proven skill at blending HUMINT and TECHINT will be crucial in anticipating adversary moves and advising strategic responses.
In his inaugural address to R&AW officers, Parag is expected to emphasise transparency within the agency’s ranks, increased liaison with India’s Defence Intelligence Agency, and partnerships with friendly foreign services to combat emerging threats from cyber‑espionage to transnational extremist networks. His appointment marks a renewal of focus on proactive intelligence gathering, underlining India’s readiness to safeguard its security interests in a volatile neighbourhood.
Conclusion
Parag Jain’s leadership in Punjab’s counter‑insurgency efforts, his operational successes in overseas postings, and his mastery of aerial surveillance make him uniquely equipped to head R&AW during a critical period for national security. As he steps into this vital role, Parag’s balanced approach—valuing both human contact and cutting‑edge technology—offers hope that India’s intelligence community will rise to meet the complex challenges of tomorrow.
FAQs
What is Parag Jain’s educational background?
He holds a Master’s degree in History and an MBA in Public Service, blending academic rigor with administrative skills.
Which key operations is he known for?
Parag led Operation Sindoor in May 2025, where precise intelligence guided missile strikes on terror camps, and supported intelligence during Operation Balakot in 2019.
What overseas roles did he serve?
He worked in Canada monitoring Khalistani networks and in Sri Lanka liaising on security in a post‑conflict setting.
When did he become DGP of Punjab?
He was promoted to Director General of Police (DGP) rank in his cadre on January 1, 2021, while still on central deputation.
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