Archive · 12 Nov 2025
R&AW Chief Parag Jain Appointed Secretary (Security) Amid Red Fort Blast Probe
The head of India's foreign spy agency, known as R&AW, has been given a second important job.
His name is Parag Jain, and he will now also be in charge of security for the government's top leaders, including the Prime Minister.
This new role is temporary until someone else is permanently hired.
The government decided to give him this extra duty right after a blast happened near the Red Fort in Delhi.
This situation highlights concerns about national security and the importance of having strong leadership in place.
It also comes after a period where the security secretary position was vacant.
The blast itself was described as a "terrorist incident" by the Prime Minister, who ordered an urgent investigation to find those responsible.
R&AW Chief Parag Jain has been given the additional charge of Secretary (Security) in the Cabinet Secretariat.
The appointment was made days after a devastating car blast occurred near the Red Fort in New Delhi, which claimed eight lives and injured many.
The Secretary (Security) role is responsible for internal security mechanisms, coordination with intelligence agencies, and protective protocols for vital installations and dignitaries.
The position of Secretary (Security) had been vacant since July 31.
Parag Jain, an IPS officer, is known for his role in 'Operation Sindoor' and assumed charge of R&AW on July 1 for a two-year tenure.
- Who
- Parag Jain, Chief of R&AW
- What
- Assigned the additional charge of Secretary (Security) in the Cabinet Secretariat.
- When
- Wednesday, November 12
- Where
- Cabinet Secretariat, New Delhi
- Why
- To ensure continuity and strengthen coordination in national security, particularly for VVIP security, following the recent Red Fort blast and with the post having been vacant since July 31.
Shiv Sena (UBT) Criticism
Government Response (Implied)
National Security Focus
Shiv Sena (UBT) Criticism
The Shiv Sena (UBT) accuses the government, including PM Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah, of neglecting national security and focusing on election campaigns, citing the Red Fort blast as evidence of a collapsed security apparatus.
Government Response (Implied)
The government's decision to give the R&AW chief additional charge of Secretary (Security) suggests a focus on strengthening security coordination and ensuring continuity in leadership, especially after recent security incidents.
Intelligence and Counter-Terrorism Effectiveness
Shiv Sena (UBT) Criticism
The party alleges that intelligence agencies are being misused for political purposes instead of tracking terrorists, and points to the Red Fort blast and killings in Pahalgam as failures of the intelligence network.
Government Response (Implied)
The appointment of an experienced intelligence chief to oversee security may indicate a strategic move to leverage expertise in areas like technology for enhancing intelligence gathering and counter-terrorism efforts.
Accountability of Home Minister
Shiv Sena (UBT) Criticism
The Shiv Sena (UBT) criticizes Home Minister Amit Shah, calling him the 'weakest and most ineffective Home Minister' and demanding his resignation, suggesting his resignation would be a favor to the nation.
Government Response (Implied)
The government has not publicly responded to the resignation calls but has taken administrative action to bolster the security apparatus by assigning additional duties to a senior intelligence official.
- Official Appointed
- Parag Jain, R&AW Chief
- Additional Responsibility
- Secretary (Security) in the Cabinet Secretariat
- Context for Appointment
- Days after the Red Fort blast in Delhi
- Significance of Security Secretary Role
- Responsible for the security of the Prime Minister and other VVIPs
- Previous Status of Post
- No regular appointee since July 31
- Parag Jain's Background
- IPS officer (1989 batch, Punjab cadre), known for 'Operation Sindoor'
Sources
R&AW Chief Jain Takes Charge As Secretary (Security) Too
R&AW chief Parag Jain given additional charge of Secretary (Security), Cabinet Secretariat
Shiv Sena (UBT) slams Centre over Red Fort blast, demands Amit Shah’s resignation
R&AW chief gets additional charge of security secretary, days after Delhi blast
