External intelligence agency and Intelligence Bureau form the first arm of offence and defence, says former RAW chief

Former secretary of the Research and Analysis Wing Vikram Sood, speaking in Chennai at an event on "Covert Wars and Great Power Games", stated that India's external intelligence agency and the Intelligence Bureau represent the first arms of offence and defence, respectively. Sood explained that these two entities must collaborate in geopolitics.

He further highlighted the rapid pace of global events, including disinformation, which overwhelm intelligence agencies. Sood, author of several books on espionage and geopolitics, noted that the United States believed they could swiftly resolve the Iran issue, but the Iranians had anticipated this and were well-prepared. Regarding Pakistan's potential actions, Sood suggested that Saudi Arabia and Turkey would likely refrain from involvement, viewing Iran's situation as a regional rivalry to safeguard its own security and reduce dependence on foreign aid.