R. N. Kao

1. Early Life Hardships Forged Resilience and Observation Skills

The passing away of my father at an early age was the tragedy from which my family, which was quite small, did not entirely recover, and it certainly coloured my entire outlook during my childhood days, which was rather cheerless and lonely.

Childhood adversity. Rameshwar Nath Kao's early life was marked by significant challenges, including the premature death of his father when he was just five, leading to financial hardship and an unsettled existence moving between cities like Baroda, Unnao, and Banaras. This period instilled in him a sense of introspection and withdrawal, shaped by experiences like being ridiculed for his weight and name in school.

Overcoming challenges. Despite these difficulties, Kao developed resilience and a keen observational ability. He found solace and discipline in yoga, which helped him overcome obesity, and discovered an aptitude for academics and public speaking during his university years in Lucknow and Allahabad. Excelling in English Literature and Ancient Indian History, he demonstrated early intellectual prowess and determination.

Foundation for future. These formative years, though difficult, laid the groundwork for his later career. The need to be self-reliant, the development of sharp observational skills honed by his shyness, and the discipline learned through personal struggles would prove invaluable in the secretive world of intelligence. His academic success, culminating in a first-place MA, provided the necessary qualifications for a distinguished career.

2. Joining the Police Led to Early Exposure in Intelligence

Who should I find in the police but people who appeared to me only semi-literate, very crude, rough and using swear words and generally arrogant in behaviour.

Entry into IP. In 1940, Rameshwar Nath Kao successfully cleared the competitive exams to join the Indian Police (IP), the precursor to the IPS, a significant achievement that brought immense joy to his family after years of struggle. His initial experience at the Police Training College in Moradabad, however, presented a culture shock, contrasting sharply with his academic background and refined sensibilities.

Deputation to IB. After spending seven years in district policing in the United Provinces, Kao was deputed to the Intelligence Bureau (IB) in 1947, marking his entry into the world of intelligence. Under the mentorship of B.N. Mullik, the legendary IB Director, Kao quickly rose through the ranks, becoming responsible for the security of Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru and visiting foreign dignitaries.

Early international exposure. His role in Nehru's security detail provided extensive travel opportunities, exposing him to international diplomacy and security protocols. This early exposure to high-level interactions and foreign environments, coupled with his inherent meticulousness and quiet efficiency, caught Nehru's attention and prepared him for more complex international assignments.

3. The Kashmir Princess Probe Launched an International Career

This was my first exposure to South East Asia, which, by all accounts, is a fascinating world in itself.

High-stakes investigation. In 1955, Prime Minister Nehru personally selected the then 37-year-old RNK to represent India in the international investigation into the crash of the Air India aircraft 'Kashmir Princess' off the coast of Indonesia. The plane, chartered by China to carry delegates to the Bandung Conference, was sabotaged in a plot aimed at assassinating Chinese Premier Zhou Enlai.

Navigating complex relations. Kao's assignment required him to liaise between the Chinese, who suspected a KMT (Taiwanese) plot, and the British authorities in Hong Kong, where the bomb was planted. He had to navigate suspicion and political maneuvering from both sides, demonstrating remarkable tact and impartiality while gathering crucial information from survivors and investigators.

Building international rapport. The six-month investigation took Kao to Singapore, Indonesia, the Philippines, Hong Kong, and China, providing invaluable exposure to international intelligence work and diplomacy. He built a rapport with key figures, including multiple meetings with Zhou Enlai, who, despite initial suspicion, showed him great courtesy. This experience solidified his reputation as a capable and discreet intelligence officer on the international stage.

4. A Gentle Giant: RNK's Character and Leadership Style

He never pontificated and always led by example. He used to say, ‘nasihat mat do, namuna ban jao.’ (Don’t advise, set an example for others to follow.)

Personal integrity. Known as 'Ramji' to friends and family, RNK was described as a noble, gentle, and deeply spiritual man with strong convictions about right and wrong. A devout Hindu who practiced meditation daily, he was also a devoted family man, living in a joint family and doting on his younger brother.

Leadership by example. In his professional life, Kao was a stickler for discipline, punctuality, and meticulousness, demanding precision from his subordinates but always leading by example. He was known for his calm demeanor, even under pressure, and his ability to command respect without resorting to shouting or browbeating. His mentorship shaped generations of officers, affectionately known as 'Kaoboys'.

Private and artistic. Despite his powerful position, Kao remained fiercely private, shunning the limelight and avoiding photographs or interviews. He possessed an artistic bent, enjoying sculpting and having an eye for beauty, contrasting with the stern spymaster image. His kindness extended to animals and even strangers seeking assistance, demonstrating a compassionate nature beneath his professional reserve.

5. Post-1962 Shock Catalyzed New Intelligence Capabilities

The Indian debacle in the 1962 war with China prompted many changes in the Indian security establishment, especially in the intelligence set-up.

Intelligence failure. The humiliating defeat in the 1962 Sino-Indian war exposed critical gaps in India's intelligence capabilities, particularly in gathering technical intelligence and conducting clandestine operations across the Himalayan frontier. The sole agency, the IB, was deemed insufficient to handle both internal and external threats effectively.

Formation of specialized units. In the immediate aftermath of the war, the need for specialized organizations became apparent. This led to the creation of the Aviation Research Centre (ARC) in 1963, tasked with technical and photographic intelligence gathering, and the Special Frontier Force (SFF), a clandestine guerrilla force. RNK was appointed to head the ARC from 1963 to 1966.

US cooperation. The formation of these units was significantly aided by intelligence cooperation with the US, initiated after Nehru's desperate appeal for military help during the war. This collaboration involved:

• Deployment of US aircraft and personnel to secret Indian air bases (like 'Oak Tree' at Charbatia).
• Training of Tibetan fighters (SFF) by the CIA.
• U-2 reconnaissance missions over Tibet and Xinjiang from Indian soil, providing crucial intelligence on China's nuclear program.

6. The 1965 War Highlighted the Urgent Need for a Dedicated Foreign Intelligence Agency

Despite the on-going tension in Kashmir and the Kutch region in which the Pakistani Army caught the Indian defence by surprise in the spring of 1965, Indian intelligence failed to anticipate the massive infiltration planned by Pakistan under Operation Gibraltar.

Intelligence shortcomings. The 1965 Indo-Pakistan war, though ending in a military stalemate favorable to India, revealed significant intelligence failures. India was caught by surprise by Pakistan's Operation Gibraltar (infiltration in J&K) and Operation Grand Slam (thrust in Chhamb-Jaurian). Crucially, India lacked intelligence on Pakistan's limited ammunition reserves, potentially missing an opportunity for a more decisive victory.

Political fallout in Pakistan. The war had unintended consequences for Pakistan, particularly fueling discontent in East Pakistan due to its perceived vulnerability and lack of defense. This contributed to the rise of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman and the demand for greater autonomy, setting the stage for the 1971 crisis.

Catalyst for reform. The intelligence failures of 1965, coupled with the political shifts in India (Indira Gandhi becoming PM) and the ongoing need for specialized external intelligence capabilities highlighted by the 1962 war and subsequent covert operations, created the impetus for a fundamental restructuring of India's intelligence apparatus. The idea of separating external intelligence from the IB gained traction.

7. Founding and Building the Research & Analysis Wing (R&AW)

Within a few months, Ramji produced his magnum opus, defining the proposed structure of India’s CIA.

Indira Gandhi's vision. Following the lessons of 1965 and seeking to strengthen India's external intelligence capabilities, Prime Minister Indira Gandhi, advised by P.N. Haksar, sanctioned the creation of a dedicated foreign intelligence agency. RNK, already heading external intelligence within the IB, was tasked with drafting the blueprint for this new organization.

Multidisciplinary approach. RNK's vision for R&AW was a multidisciplinary agency, not solely reliant on personnel from the police services, a key condition set by Mrs. Gandhi. The organization was designed with a secretariat structure, headed by a Secretary, and placed under the Cabinet Secretariat to ensure functional independence and minimize bureaucratic hurdles.

Overcoming initial friction. The formation of R&AW in September 1968 faced resistance from existing agencies like the IB and MEA, who resented the loss of turf and influence. However, with the strong backing of Indira Gandhi and Haksar, RNK and his core team, including his trusted colleague Sankaran Nair, successfully navigated these challenges, securing necessary resources and establishing the agency's initial operational framework and overseas stations.

8. R&AW's Pivotal Role in the Bangladesh Liberation

In the last week of November 1971, one of his moles in Gen Yahya Khan’s office informed Nair that the Pakistani Air Force (PAF) was planning a pre-emptive strike on the forward air bases of the Indian Air Force (IAF) in the western sector on the evening of December 1.

Responding to crisis. As the political crisis in East Pakistan escalated into a brutal military crackdown in March 1971, R&AW became central to India's response. RNK was tasked with coordinating India's covert support for the Bengali liberation movement, working closely with P.N. Haksar and the newly formed Committee on East Pakistan.

Multi-faceted operations. R&AW's involvement was extensive and varied:

• Liaising with and supporting the provisional government of Bangladesh (Mujibnagar government) and its leaders (like Tajuddin Ahmad and Col M.A.G. Osmani).
• Organizing and training Bengali guerrilla fighters (Mukti Bahini, including specialized units like frogmen) under the supervision of officers like P.N. Banerjee and Maj Gen S.S. Uban.
• Coordinating international publicity to highlight Pakistani atrocities and garner support for Bangladesh.
• Providing critical, real-time intelligence on Pakistani military plans and movements.

Strategic intelligence success. A key success was Sankaran Nair's intelligence regarding the PAF's planned pre-emptive strike, which, despite a decoding error, allowed the IAF to be on high alert on December 3, minimizing damage and contributing to India's swift victory in the subsequent 13-day war.

9. Masterminding Sikkim's Merger with India

She [Indira Gandhi] told me in clear terms that her father had made a mistake in not heeding the Sikkimese demand for accession to India in 1947...

Undoing past mistakes. Following the Bangladesh success, Indira Gandhi turned her attention to Sikkim, a strategically important protectorate whose ruler, the Chogyal, was seeking greater independence. Believing her father's decision in 1947 not to integrate Sikkim fully was a mistake, she tasked RNK and R&AW with finding a way to merge the state with India.

Covert operations. R&AW launched covert operations, codenamed 'Janamat' and 'Twilight', starting in early 1973. The strategy involved:

• Supporting and encouraging pro-democracy political parties led by Kazi Lendhup Dorji to agitate against the Chogyal's autocratic rule.
• Exploiting internal tensions and the Chogyal's missteps (like attempting to rig elections).
• Coordinating with the MEA and Army to manage the escalating situation.

Engineered outcome. R&AW officers on the ground guided the agitation, ensured unity among opposition leaders, and provided financial support. This culminated in the Chogyal being forced to cede administrative control to India in April 1973, followed by elections in 1974 that brought the pro-merger parties to power. The final act involved a meticulously planned operation to disarm the Chogyal's guards and orchestrate a referendum and assembly resolution leading to Sikkim becoming India's 22nd state in May 1975.

10. Navigating Post-War Geopolitics and Expanding Intelligence Reach

Despite the resignation of Nixon in 1974 in the wake of the Watergate scandal, she felt there is no change in the US hostility to India… She started seeing the hand of the CIA everywhere...

Post-1971 challenges. The Bangladesh victory, while a triumph, strained relations with the US and China, who had supported Pakistan. Indira Gandhi became increasingly wary of perceived US hostility and potential destabilization efforts, prompting a need to enhance India's intelligence capabilities, particularly regarding major power activities in the region.

Focus on maritime intelligence. Recognizing a gap in monitoring maritime movements, especially in the Indian Ocean, RNK initiated efforts to build this capability. This involved setting up new monitoring stations and seeking international cooperation beyond traditional partners like the Soviet Union, whose reach in the Indian Ocean was limited.

French liaison. RNK cultivated a strong relationship with the French external intelligence agency, SDECE, headed by Alexandre de Marenches. This led to a unique trilateral cooperation arrangement involving France, India, and Iran (under the Shah) to collect maritime intelligence. While the arrangement faced challenges and eventually dissolved after the Iranian revolution, it demonstrated R&AW's proactive approach to building strategic intelligence networks in a complex geopolitical environment.

Last updated: May 2, 2025