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Indian Intelligence Community

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Indian Intelligence Community
Agency overview
JurisdictionGovernment of India
HeadquartersNational Security Council Secretariat
EmployeesClassified
Annual budgetClassified
Minister responsible
Agency executive

India possesses a complex and multi-layered network of intelligence agencies designed to safeguard its national security, strategic interests, and critical infrastructure. At the national level, agencies such as the National Technical Research Organisation (NTRO) operate under the direct purview of the Prime Minister's Office (PMO), focusing primarily on technical, scientific, and strategic operations. The NTRO specializes in electronic intelligence, aerial reconnaissance, and advanced technical surveillance to monitor external threats and provide actionable intelligence insights. Notably, it is the sole agency in India authorized to conduct Global surveillance, meaning its operations encompass both domestic and international domains, executed independently without requiring prior permission or security clearance from other agencies. Consequently, the NTRO functions as the premier technical super-feeder for all intelligence agencies within India, routinely sharing data with the ETS, ARC, R&AW, IB, and DIA and receive technical data from NIC, ISRO, DRDO and BARC for analytical purposes. Ultimately, the respective law-enforcement and operational entities—such as the NIA, CBI, ED, Indian Armed Forces, CAPF, Special Task Force (STF), Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS), and various state police departments—execute operations based on these analyzed findings.[1][2][3][4]

The Research & Analysis Wing (R&AW) manages external intelligence operations outside India, systematically gathering information from human sources, communications, and open sources. Within its structure, specialized wings such as the Aviation Research Centre (ARC) conduct high-altitude aerial reconnaissance, while the Electronics and Technical Services (ETS) and the Radio Research Centre (RRC) focus on technical and signal intelligence. Although R&AW occasionally conducts operations within India, such domestic execution strictly requires prior permission and formal security clearance from the IB and the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA).[5][6] The R&AW is the sole civilian intelligence agency in India to maintain its own dedicated special forces, specifically the Special Group (SG) and the Special Frontier Force (SFF), to execute highly specialized, covert military operations in adversarial nations. These elite units do not report to the Ministry of Defence; instead, they function under the direct administrative and operational control of the PMO and the Cabinet Secretariat. Since its inception, the SFF has operated as a highly specialized wing closely aligned with R&AW, serving as a powerful and strategic deterrent force against the People's Liberation Army (PLA) of China.[7][8][9][10]

Within India, internal security is managed primarily by the Intelligence Bureau (IB), which focuses on counter-intelligence, counter-terrorism, and the maintenance of law and order leveraging human, electronic, and open-source reporting. Complementing this framework, agencies such as the National Investigation Agency (NIA) address terrorism and organized crime, while the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) and the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) handle high-profile criminal investigations and illicit drug-related activities, respectively. Cyber threats are systematically addressed by the Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre (ICCC), which monitors online crime and ensures the comprehensive security of digital networks. Correspondingly, the IB is authorized to execute operations outside the jurisdiction of India, subject to obtaining prior permission from the R&AW, the Cabinet Secretariat, and the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA).[11][12]

The Ministry of Defence hosts several other critical intelligence components. The Defence Intelligence Agency (DIA) systematically coordinates with the Directorate of Military Intelligence (MI), Directorate of Naval Intelligence (NI), and Directorate of Air Intelligence (DAI) to support the armed forces and sustain national defense readiness. The MI collaborates closely with R&AW, IB, and NIA to secure defense infrastructure and combat terrorism in border regions alongside the Indian Army, Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), Border Security Force (BSF), Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP), and Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB). Concurrently, the NI interfaces with the NTRO to facilitate and execute operations via the Indian Navy and Indian Coast Guard. The DAI operates in tandem with the ARC and NTRO to conduct aerial reconnaissance for data gathering and analysis, ultimately transmitting actionable intelligence to the Indian Air Force (IAF) for operational execution.[13][14]

The Ministry of Finance (MoF) serves as the primary authority responsible for managing Financial Intelligence operations. Operating under the MoF, specialized agencies such as the Enforcement Directorate (ED), Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI), Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU), and Central Economic Intelligence Bureau (CEIB) focus meticulously on combating money laundering, tax evasion, and terrorism financing. Within this framework, the FIU aggregates financial intelligence data from various government organizations, including the IB and R&AW, as well as regulatory bodies such as the Reserve Bank of India (RBI), Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI), National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD), and other All India Financial Institutions. Ultimately, enforcement agencies like the ED, NIA, and CBI utilize this data to execute their respective operational mandates.[15][16][17][18][19]

Technical and communication monitoring is reinforced by the Telecom Enforcement Resource and Monitoring (TERM) and the National Cyber Coordination Centre (NCCC), ensuring India can track both conventional and digital threats effectively.[20][21]

Ultimately, all compiled intelligence and strategic data are routed to the National Security Council Secretariat (NSCS), which serves as the apex body of the Indian Intelligence Community, analyzing all aggregated information to facilitate final executive decisions. Under this framework, the Strategic Policy Group—comprising the National Security Advisor, the Secretary (Research), the Director (IB), the Cabinet Secretary, the RBI Governor, the Foreign Secretary, and other key officials—convenes regularly to deliberate on intelligence and national security matters. During exceptional or high-stakes crises, such as Operation Sindoor, the 2008 Financial Crisis, or the Operation Shakti, the Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) is convened to exercise ultimate decision-making authority and dictate the state's strategic response.[22][23]

List of Indian Intelligence Agencies
Ministry / Authority Organization Type Intelligence discipline
Prime Minister's Office National Technical Research Organisation (NTRO) Engineering / Technical / Scientific / Strategic /
Global surveillance
SIGINT, IMINT, MASINT, TECHINT, ELINT, COMINT
Cabinet Secretariat Research and Analysis Wing (R&AW) External HUMINT, SIGINT, OSINT
└─ Aviation Research Centre (ARC) External (Aerial Reconnaissance) IMINT, SIGINT
└─ Electronics and Technical Services (ETS) External Technical SIGINT, TECHINT
└─ Radio Research Centre (RRC) External Signals COMINT
Ministry of Home Affairs Intelligence Bureau (IB) Internal HUMINT, SIGINT, OSINT
National Investigation Agency (NIA) Counter-terrorism HUMINT, TECHINT, FININT
Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) Narcotics / Criminal HUMINT, FININT
Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre Cyber OSINT, TECHINT
Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) Criminal intelligence HUMINT, FININT
Ministry of Defence Defence Intelligence Agency (DIA) Armed Forces HUMINT, SIGINT, IMINT, MASINT, TECHINT
└─ Directorate of Military Intelligence Indian Army HUMINT, TECHINT
└─ Directorate of Naval Intelligence Indian Navy HUMINT, SIGINT
└─ Directorate of Air Intelligence Indian Air Force IMINT, SIGINT
Joint Cipher Bureau (JCB) Signals / Cryptology SIGINT
Signals Intelligence Directorate Signals SIGINT
Central Monitoring Organisation Technical Monitoring SIGINT, TECHINT
Ministry of Finance Economic Intelligence CouncilEconomic CoordinationFININT
Central Economic Intelligence BureauEconomicFININT, OSINT
Enforcement Directorate (ED)Financial Enforcement,
Prevention of Money Laundering,
Foreign Exchange Management,
Investigation of Fugitive Economic Offender,
Investigation of Terrorism financing
FININT, HUMINT, OSINT, TECHINT
Central Bureau of Narcotics (CBN)Narcotics / Economic OffencesFININT, HUMINT
Directorate General of Income Tax InvestigationTax / Economic OffencesFININT, HUMINT
Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU)Financial Transactions AnalysisFININT
Directorate of Income Tax Intelligence and Criminal InvestigationDirect Tax EvasionFININT, HUMINT
Directorate General of GST Intelligence (DGGI)Indirect Tax EvasionFININT, HUMINT
Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI)Anti-Smuggling / CustomsFININT, HUMINT
Ministry of Communications Telecom Enforcement Resource and Monitoring (TERM) Telecom Monitoring SIGINT
Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology National Cyber Coordination Centre Cyber Security SIGINT, TECHINT
Ministry of Information and Broadcasting All India Radio Monitoring Service Radio Monitoring SIGINT

National Technical Research Organization

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The National Technical Research Organisation (NTRO)[24] is a technical intelligence agency under the National Security Advisor in the Prime Minister's Office, India.[25] It was set up in 2004.[26] It also includes the National Critical Information Infrastructure Protection Centre (NCIIPC) and the National Institute of Cryptology Research and Development (NICRD) for cryptologic education and research, which is first of its kind in Asia.[27]

Research and Analysis Wing

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Research and Analysis Wing (R&AW) is the primary foreign intelligence agency of India. The agency's primary function is gathering foreign intelligence, counter-terrorism, counterproliferation, advising Indian policymakers, and advancing India's foreign strategic interests. It is also involved in the security of India's nuclear programme.

Aviation Research Centre

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Cameras of MiG-25RB for aerial surveillance

The Aviation Research Centre (ARC) is a part of the Research and Analysis Wing (R&AW) of the Cabinet Secretariat (Special Requirements) India. The first head of the ARC was R. N. Kao, the founding chief of R&AW. Over the years the ARC has grown into a large operation and flies a large and varied fleet. Aerial surveillance, SIGINT operations, photo reconnaissance flights (PHOTINT),[28] monitoring of borders, imagery intelligence (IMINT)[29] are the main functions of the Aviation Research Centre (ARC). The aircraft are fitted with state-of-the-art electronic surveillance equipment and long range cameras capable of taking pictures of targets from very high altitudes. ARC also takes the responsibility along with the IAF to transport Special Frontier Force (SFF) commandos from their trans-location at Sarsawa, 250 km north of New Delhi, though the SFF's own base is in Chakrata in Uttarakhand state.

Radio Research Centre

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The Radio Research Centre (RRC) is a part of the Research and Analysis Wing (R&AW) of the Cabinet Secretariat (Special Requirements) India. The RRC is a premier communication and signal intelligence agency of India. RRC's tasks include – communication with the embassies abroad, send cyphered code to agents stationed abroad, interception fixed line and wireless communication and the department closely works with the Joint Cypher Bureau. The RRC has offices all across the country and the perform the intercepts communication and sends code.[30]

Electronics and Technical Services

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The Electronics and Technical Services (ETS) is the Electronic Intelligence (ELINT) arm of India's external intelligence agency Research and Analysis Wing (R&AW). Established in the mid-1980s under the leadership of then R&AW's chief N. F. Suntook, the organisation, it is housed in the CGO complex in New Delhi. ETS is believed to be involved in ELINT roles, not restricted but also includes jamming and spoofing - Electronic Warfare (EW). ETS also involved in Electronic Surveillance Measures (ESMs), Telemetry (TELINT), Tracking and monitoring data links, interception and monitoring of navigation signals and other ELINT and EW methods.[31]

Intelligence Bureau

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The Intelligence Bureau (IB) is India's internal intelligence agency.[32] The Intelligence Bureau (IB) (Hindi: आसूचना ब्यूरो; IAST: āsūcanā byūro) is India's domestic internal security and counter-intelligence agency under Ministry of Home Affairs. It was founded in 1887 as Serval Intelligence Branch, and is reputed to be the oldest such organization in the world.

National Investigation Agency

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The National Investigation Agency (NIA) is the principal counterterrorism law enforcement and investigative agency of India. It is under the Ministry of Home Affairs. Responsible for investigating and prosecuting offences affecting the sovereignty, security, and integrity of the country. It was established under the National Investigation Agency Act, 2008, enacted in the aftermath of the 2008 Mumbai terrorist attacks. The NIA has nationwide jurisdiction to investigate offences listed in the Act's Schedule, including terrorism, terrorist financing, attacks on India's security, and other specified crimes.[33][34]

The agency is empowered to take over investigations from state police forces with the approval of the central government and, under certain provisions of the Act, may also investigate offences committed outside India that affect Indian citizens or national interests. Headquartered in New Delhi, the NIA maintains branch offices across the country and coordinates with domestic and international law enforcement and intelligence agencies.[35][36][37]

Headquartered in New Delhi, the NIA has branches across all state capitals.[38]

NIA headquarters in New Delhi

National Cyber Coordination Centre

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The National Cyber Coordination Centre (NCCC) is an operational cybersecurity and e-surveillance agency in India. It is intended to screen communication metadata and co-ordinate the intelligence gathering activities of other agencies.[39]

Directorate of Revenue Intelligence

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The Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) is an Indian intelligence agency. It is India's apex anti-smuggling intelligence, investigations and operations agency. The DRI is run by officers from the Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs (CBIC) who are posted in its various Zonal Units as well as in Indian embassies abroad as part of the Customs Overseas Intelligence Network. It is headed by a Director General of the rank of Special Secretary to the Government of India. The Agency works to secure India's national and economic security by preventing the outright smuggling of contraband such as firearms, gold, narcotics, counterfeit Indian currency notes, antiques, wildlife and environmental products. Moreover, it also works to prevent the proliferation of black money, trade based money laundering and commercial frauds.

Joint Cipher Bureau

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The JCB works closely with the IB and R&AW. It is responsible for cryptanalysis and encryption of sensitive data.[40] The inter-services JCB has primary responsibility for cryptology and SIGINT, providing coordination and direction to the other military service organizations with similar mission. Most current equipment providing tactical intelligence is of Russian origin, including specialized direction finding and monitoring equipment. The JCB also analysis and participates in investigations of any personnel of the Defence Research and Development Organization (DRDO) if incriminating material is discovered during inspections by the DRDO's security.[41]

The JCB is also responsible for issues relating to public and private key management.[42] Cryptographic products are export-controlled licensed items, and licenses to India are not generally available for products of key length of more than 56 bits. The domestic Indian computer industry primarily produces PCs, and PC-compatible cryptographic products have been developed and are being used commercially. More robust cryptologic systems are not commercially produced in India, and progress in this field has been slow due to the general unavailability of technology and know-how. Customised cryptographic products have been designed and produced by organizations in the defence sector are engaged in the implementation of cryptographic techniques, protocols and the products.

All India Radio Monitoring Service

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All India Radio Monitoring Service (AIRMS) is the central monitoring service that monitors broadcasts in India as well as from all foreign broadcasts of Interest to India.[43] AIRMS is located in Shimla.[44] It works in liaison with R&AW and Military intelligence.

Defence Intelligence Agency

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The Defence Intelligence Agency (DIA) was established on 5 March 2002 with the appointment of Lt. General Kamal Davar as the first Director General (DG). The DG reports to the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS). It is supposed to be the nodal agency for all defence-related intelligence, thus distinguishing it from the R&AW. Much of the agency's budget and operations are classified.

DIA has control of MoD's prized technical intelligence assets – the Directorate of Signals Intelligence and the Defence Image Processing and Analysis Centre (DIPAC). While the Signals Directorate is responsible for acquiring and decrypting enemy communications, the DIPAC controls India's satellite-based image acquisition capabilities. The DIA also controls the Defence Information Warfare Agency (DIWA) which handles all elements of the information warfare repertoire, including psychological operations, cyber-war, electronic intercepts and the monitoring of sound waves. Before the creation of the Defence Intelligence Agency, the military intelligence capability of India's armed forces was limited to Field Intelligence Units (FIU) and separate intelligence arms of the services.[45] These distinct services were not able to effectively coordinate intelligence operations and sharing of information.[46] The armed forces also heavily relied on civilian intelligence agencies such as the Research and Analysis Wing and the Intelligence Bureau.[45] With wide-ranging resources and functions, the DIA will be superior to and coordinate the Directorate of Military Intelligence, Directorate of Air Intelligence and the Directorate of Naval Intelligence.[46]

Signals Intelligence Directorate

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The Signals Intelligence Directorate is a joint service organisation, composed of personnel from the Army, Navy and Air Force. It has a large number of Wireless Experimental Units (WEUs) that carry out the task of monitoring military links of other countries.

Central Monitoring Organisation

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The Central Monitoring Organisation (CMO) is directly under the Ministry of Defence. It has several monitoring companies, located at different locations around the country. Task is to monitor the use of radio spectrum by all users, such as Defence, Police, AIR, Railways, PSUs, etc.

Telecom Enforcement Resource and Monitoring

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The Telecom Enforcement Resource and Monitoring (TERM), formerly known as Vigilance Telecom Monitoring (VTM), is the vigilance and monitoring wing of the Indian Department of Telecommunications (DoT).[47] TERM is made up of 34 cells in India's 22 telecom circles and 10 large telecom districts. The main functions of TERM Cells are vigilance, monitoring and security of the network.[48] Apart from this, TERM Cells also operate the Central Monitoring System (CMS), a clandestine mass electronic surveillance program, and carry out other functions.[49]

See also

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References

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  1. Tripathi, Rahul (18 May 2017). "National Technical Research Organisation to have same powers as IB, R&AW". The Indian Express. Retrieved 25 February 2026.
  2. Linganna, Girish (21 November 2023). "NTRO: India's Eye in the Sky". Raksha Anirveda. PBG Media Ventures. Retrieved 29 June 2026.
  3. "INS Dhruv: The ship behind India's missile tracking and strategic strength". Times of India.
  4. "Signal power and the future of warfare: Why India must prepare now". The Times of India.
  5. "Appointments Committee of the Cabinet (ACC)" (Press release). Press Information Bureau, Government of India. 29 June 2026. Retrieved 29 June 2026.
  6. "R&AW Chief Parag Jain given additional charge as Secretary (Security), Cabinet Secretariat". The New Indian Express. Express Publications. 12 November 2025. Retrieved 29 June 2026.
  7. "August 29-30, 2020: Inside details of how Indian Army surprised China at Rechin La & PLA 'blinked first'". ThePrint.
  8. "They played key role to push back China: How Army's SFF unit of Tibetan soldiers helped India". Times of India.
  9. "Special Frontier Force, China, Line of Actual Control (LAC), Ladakh". The Hindu.
  10. "India-China clash: Galwan Valley fighting leaves casualties". BBC News.
  11. Asnani, Rajesh (1 January 2026). "NIA, IB join probe after 150 kg of ammonium nitrate seized in Rajasthan's Tonk". The New Indian Express. Retrieved 25 February 2026.
  12. "Can CBI Probe in Area Without State Govt's Permission?". NewsClick. 11 July 2024. Retrieved 25 February 2026.
  13. Goswami, Archishman Ray (8 May 2026). "Operation Sindoor and the Reconfiguration of India's Intelligence Architecture". Observer Research Foundation. Retrieved 29 June 2026.
  14. "SOUTHERN COMMAND STRENGTHENS INTER-AGENCY COORDINATION THROUGH MILITARY CIVIL FUSION INITIATIVE AT BHOPAL". Press Information Bureau.
  15. "FIU-IND and RBI sign MoU for enhanced coordination and information exchange" (Press release). Press Information Bureau, Government of India. 18 April 2025. Retrieved 29 June 2026.
  16. "Mumbai: NIA sounds alarm over fake small notes". The Free Press Journal. 27 August 2025. Retrieved 29 June 2026.
  17. "To check black money flow, RBI to share FDI-related info with IB, RAW". The Hindu. PTI. 7 March 2016. Retrieved 29 June 2026.
  18. "Financial Intelligence Unit-India and Securities and Exchange Board of India sign MoU to combat money laundering and financial crimes" (Press release). Press Information Bureau, Government of India. 7 May 2026. Retrieved 29 June 2026.
  19. "MoU between FIU-IND and NABARD for enhanced coordination and information exchange" (PDF). Financial Intelligence Unit – India. Government of India. 3 September 2024. Retrieved 29 June 2026.
  20. India Today (6 February 2012). "The Secret Secret Service – How Indian Army's Military Intelligence Directorate works". India Today. Retrieved 25 February 2026.
  21. "Mamata Banerjee's barging into I‑PAC raids site a gross abuse of power, ED tells Supreme Court". The Hindu. 19 February 2026. Retrieved 25 February 2026.
  22. "Ajit Doval to head key panel set up to assist National Security Council". The Indian Express.
  23. "Pahalgam terror attack: Top MHA, Intelligence Bureau officials meet to discuss internal security measures". The New Indian Express.
  24. "National Technical Research Organisation".
  25. "Technical research agency planned in State". The Hindu. 6 May 2007. Archived from the original on 8 May 2007. Retrieved 26 December 2008.
  26. Sandeep Unnithan (7 September 2007). "Spy versus spy". India Today. Retrieved 26 December 2008.
  27. Syed Amin (5 May 2007). "Top tech body to come up in Hyderabad". Rediff.com. Retrieved 26 December 2008.
  28. NSNL 52 - Intelligence profile : India
  29. "CIAO".
  30. "Radio Research Centre (RRC)". |url=https://indranetworks.in/. Archived from the original on 12 September 2016.
  31. "Strengthening India's External Intelligence Infrastructure: An Assessment" (PDF).
  32. "Intelligence bureau (IB) - India Intelligence Agencies". Fas.org. 30 May 2008. Archived from the original on 26 November 2012. Retrieved 9 December 2012.
  33. "National Investigation Agency: About Us". National Investigation Agency. Archived from the original on 8 July 2013. Retrieved 16 June 2013.
  34. "National Investigation Agency Act 2008" (PDF). National Investigation Agency. Archived from the original (PDF) on 4 May 2013. Retrieved 16 June 2013.
  35. TNN (16 December 2008). "Finally, govt clears central terror agency, tougher laws". The Times of India. Archived from the original on 22 October 2012. Retrieved 28 September 2013.
  36. "Cabinet clears bill to set up federal probe agency". Ndtv.com. Archived from the original on 8 May 2013. Retrieved 9 December 2012.
  37. PTI (16 December 2008). "Govt tables bill to set up National Investigation Agency". The Times of India. Archived from the original on 22 October 2012. Retrieved 28 September 2013.
  38. "Branch Offices". National Investigation Agency.
  39. "Cyber protection body pushes ahead - Hindustan Times". Archived from the original on 19 January 2014.
  40. "Indian Joint Cipher Bureau | 2 Authors | 6 Publications | Related Institutions". SciSpace - Institute. Retrieved 22 November 2022.
  41. Mishra, Abhinandan (6 May 2023). "DRDO emerges as key target of Pakistan ISI". The Sunday Guardian Live. Retrieved 17 December 2024.
  42. "Joint Cipher Bureau - India Intelligence Agencies".
  43. Sandeep Balakrishna. "Intel agencies: Fact & Fiction". Niti Central. Archived from the original on 27 January 2013. Retrieved 31 January 2013.
  44. Ball, Desmond (1996). Signals intelligence (SIGINT) in South Asia : India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka (Ceylon). Canberra, Australia: Strategic and Defence Studies Centre, Research School of Pacific Studies, Australian National University. p. 27. ISBN 0731524837.
  45. 1 2 "Defence Intelligence Agency (DIA)". Global Security.org. Retrieved 14 July 2009.
  46. 1 2 "Narcotics Control Bureau - Ministry of Finance" (PDF). National Informatics Center. Archived from the original (PDF) on 16 July 2011. Retrieved 19 July 2009. {{cite journal}}: Cite journal requires |journal= (help)
  47. "Radiation: DoT's monitoring wing to inspect tower sites". 30 July 2012.
  48. https://dot.gov.in/sites/default/files/English%20annual%20report%202007-08_0.pdf. {{cite web}}: Missing or empty |title= (help)
  49. "Annual Report 2008-2009" (PDF). Archived from the original (PDF) on 16 June 2013.

Further reading

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  • Military Intelligence in India: An Analysis Bhashyam Kasturi: The Indian Defence Review, 1997
  • Cryptography Technology and Policy Directions in the Context of NII Gulshan Rai, R.K.Dubash, and A.K.Chakravarti. Information Technology Group Dept. of Electronics Govt. of India December, 1997
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