There is a big difference between IB and RAW intelligence agencies. While RAW focuses on international threats, IB is responsible for internal security. RAW gathers information from all over the world, while IB gathers information within India only. RAW is much larger than IB, with more resources and personnel. However, IB is considered to be more efficient and effective than RAW.
What is IB?
- IB or the Intelligence Bureau is India’s internal intelligence agency. IB was raised in 1887 as a small Special Branch under the British Raj to keep an eye on seditious activities. IB is responsible for providing intelligence inputs to the Government of India in respect of national security. IB works closely with all the Central and State agencies involved in National Security.
- IB is also tasked with collecting human intelligence and counter-intelligence, conducting surveillance, covert operations, and protecting VIPs. IB has a strength of about 5000 employees which includes both officers and other ranks drawn from the Indian Police Service, Central Police Organizations and State Police Services. IB is headed by a Director who reports to the Prime Minister of India. IB has its headquarters in New Delhi. IB also has regional offices in all the state capitals and union territories.
- IB maintains close working relations with all the other intelligence agencies of India like RAW, DIA, CBI etc. IB also liaises with foreign intelligence agencies like the CIA, MI6, ISI etc. IB has played a major role in combating terrorism and insurgency in India over the years. IB has been successful in thwarting many terrorist attacks and has played a vital role in maintaining internal security in India.
What is RAW?
RAW, or the Research and Analysis Wing, is the primary intelligence agency of the Government of India. It was established in 1968 following the Indo-Pakistani War of 1965 when it became clear that India’s existing intelligence agencies were not adequately equipped to deal with the challenging security environment. RAW’s primary mandate is to gather foreign intelligence, though it also performs certain domestic functions.
RAW reports directly to the Prime Minister and its headquarters are located in New Delhi. The agency employs a large number of field operatives, who are often stationed in foreign countries under diplomatic cover. RAW has been involved in a number of high-profile operations, including the capture of terrorist Ajmal Kasab and the destruction of Pakistani military installations during the Kargil War.
Difference between IB and RAW
IB and RAW are two different types of intelligence agencies. IB is the internal intelligence agency of the Government of India while RAW is the external intelligence agency. IB is responsible for collecting information about activities within India while RAW is responsible for collecting information about activities outside India. IB functions as a part of the Indian police force while RAW functions as an independent body. IB is headed by a Director while RAW is headed by a Secretary. IB has its headquarters in Delhi while RAW has its headquarters in New Delhi. IB was established in 1968 while RAW was established in 1969.
Conclusion
While there are some similarities between the two agencies, IB is known for its strategic thinking and long-term analysis, while RAW is more tactical and focused on current events. In terms of their functions, RAW gathers intelligence from open sources such as newspapers and the internet, whereas IB relies mostly on human intelligence (HUMINT) gathered through secret means such as spying or interrogations.
