Updated on: November 12, 2025 | 08:24 PM IST

NEW DELHI: The Government of India has assigned Parag Jain, the current chief of the Research and Analysis Wing (R&AW), the additional charge of Secretary (Security) in the Cabinet Secretariat, according to an official order issued by the Appointments Committee of the Cabinet (ACC) on Wednesday.

Role of Secretary (Security)

The Secretary (Security) is responsible for overseeing the administrative functioning of the Special Protection Group (SPG), the elite agency tasked with providing security to the Prime Minister of India and other designated individuals. This post holds significant importance within the central government’s security architecture, coordinating between intelligence agencies, the SPG, and other security apparatuses to ensure the safety of the nation’s highest officeholders.

Details of the Appointment

Parag Jain, a 1989-batch Indian Police Service (IPS) officer from the Punjab cadre, will hold this additional responsibility with immediate effect. The ACC order specifies that Jain will retain the charge until the appointment of a regular incumbent or until further orders, whichever is earlier.

The official order states:

“The competent authority has approved the assignment of additional charge of the post of Secretary (Security), Cabinet Secretariat to Shri Parag Jain, IPS (PB:89), Secretary, Research & Analysis Wing (R&AW) under Cabinet Secretariat with immediate effect and till the appointment of a regular incumbent or until further order, whichever is earlier.”

Background on the Vacancy

The post of Secretary (Security) had been vacant following the superannuation of Harinath Mishra, a 1990-batch IPS officer, on July 31, 2025. Prior to Mishra’s retirement, the central government had appointed RA Chandrashekhar, a Kerala cadre IPS officer and then-special director of the Intelligence Bureau, to the post on June 14, 2025. However, Chandrashekhar was subsequently appointed as the Kerala police chief before he could assume the position, leaving the post unfilled.

Since July 31, 2025, Manoj Govil, Secretary (Coordination) in the Cabinet Secretariat, had been holding the additional charge of Secretary (Security). The appointment of Parag Jain now formalizes the role for the time being, assigning it to an officer with extensive experience in intelligence and national security.

Significance of the Appointment

Parag Jain’s dual responsibility is particularly significant given the sensitive nature of the SPG’s operations and the broader national security environment. As R&AW chief, Jain is already at the helm of India’s external intelligence and strategic operations. By taking on the Secretary (Security) charge, he will now also oversee the administrative control of the agency directly tasked with safeguarding the Prime Minister.

This arrangement is expected to strengthen coordination between India’s intelligence network and the SPG, ensuring that intelligence inputs can be rapidly translated into operational and security measures. Analysts note that such dual assignments, though temporary, are often indicative of the government’s confidence in an officer’s capabilities and experience in handling critical national security responsibilities.

Career Profile of Parag Jain

Parag Jain, a veteran IPS officer from the Punjab cadre, joined the Indian Police Service in 1989. Over the years, he has served in several key positions within the intelligence and security establishment of India, gaining extensive experience in counterterrorism, internal security, and strategic intelligence operations. His appointment as the R&AW chief positioned him at the center of India’s external intelligence apparatus, and this new additional responsibility further consolidates his role in overseeing critical national security functions.

Conclusion

The government’s decision to assign Parag Jain, R&AW chief, the additional charge of Secretary (Security) ensures continuity in the leadership of the SPG at a time when the post had been vacant for several months. Given Jain’s extensive experience in intelligence and policing, his appointment is expected to maintain operational stability and enhance coordination between India’s top intelligence and security agencies.

This temporary assignment is likely to remain in place until a regular incumbent is appointed, and it underscores the central government’s focus on strengthening administrative control and oversight of key security institutions responsible for protecting the nation’s leadership.