R&AW anniversary in spotlight, how its first chief built spy agency from shadows

In late November 1971, the Indian External Intelligence Agency received crucial intelligence. Former chief K Sankaran Nair's source had learned Pakistan was preparing an airstrike on Indian bases in the west. Nair alerted the Indian Air Force, which went on alert. Pakistan launched attacks on December 3, but India was prepared. Thirteen days later, Pakistan surrendered in Dhaka, giving birth to Bangladesh.

R&AW's first chief, Rameshwar Nath Kao, led the agency that produced the vital intelligence. R&AW was created in 1968 by Kao, a former Intelligence Bureau officer. Kao, who stayed in the shadows, had a difficult childhood marked by loss and humiliation. He joined the Indian Police in 1940 and later headed the Aviation Research Centre and the Special Frontier Force.

The 1971 war highlighted R&AW's intelligence, covert, and analytical capabilities. Kao's talent for identifying skilled officers and setting standards was crucial in building the successful organization.