Rabinder Singh (intelligence officer)

Rabinder Singh was an Indian civil servant and military officer, who has served as a Joint Secretary of the Research and Analysis Wing (R&AW). He defected to the United States in 2004.[1][2]

For other people with the same name, see Rabinder Singh.

Early Life and Legacy

Born into a legacy deeply enriched by India's history, Singh came from a family that navigated the significant transitions of the 1947 Partition. Their ancestral roots, nestled in the prosperous Sikh community of Lahore, spoke of resilience and the human spirit's ability to adapt and rebuild. Singh's father, who dedicated 34 years to the British Indian Army, epitomized unwavering commitment and patriotism. His tenure, stretching from 1944 to his retirement as a Colonel in 1978, served as a beacon of inspiration for Singh. Growing up, Singh absorbed invaluable lessons of discipline, honor, and a nation-first approach, which laid a robust foundation for his own illustrious career.

Military Service: Building a Nation

Inspired by the tales of valor from his father, Singh's journey in the military world began with enthusiasm and determination. Commissioned into the esteemed 1st Gorkha Regiment by 1970, Singh showcased exemplary leadership skills and an unyielding commitment to his nation. The pivotal 1971 Indo-Pak war saw him playing an instrumental role in strategic operations, contributing to the birth of Bangladesh. Beyond the battlefield, Singh also engaged in crucial counter-insurgency missions in Northeast India. His empathetic leadership and astute decision-making were evident, especially during tumultuous periods like the aftermath of Prime Minister Indira Gandhi's assassination and the consequential Golden Temple incident.

An Odyssey in Intelligence: Navigating the Labyrinth of RAW

The transformative year of 1984 beckoned Singh into the intricate corridors of the Research and Analysis Wing (RAW), India's elite external intelligence agency. Guided by connections from his past and a zeal to serve on a broader canvas, Singh ventured into this realm. Here, every assignment was a dance of diplomacy, strategy, and often, discreet operations. Under the dynamic leadership of Rajiv Gandhi, Singh adeptly managed myriad challenges, including the notorious Bofors scandal and maintaining peace amidst the Sri Lankan civil war.

Singh's narrative is peppered with profound reflections on his time in RAW. Despite the inherent pressures of intelligence work, Singh always emphasized the importance of ethics, integrity, and the human element. His accounts offer a rare insight into the delicate balance of duty, personal sacrifice, and the larger good, shedding light on the unsung heroes operating behind the scenes.

The RAW Transition: Broadening Horizons

With his formidable foundation in the army, Singh's initiation into RAW was an expansion of his skill set. This phase required a profound understanding of global geopolitics, mastering multiple languages, and perfecting the nuances of surveillance and diplomacy. His assignments, taking him from the deserts of the Middle East to the dense terrains of South Asia, were testimonies to his adaptability and in-depth knowledge.

Amritsar Chronicles: Steering Through Challenges

In the historically rich city of Amritsar, Singh's role as Deputy Commissioner was both an honor and a challenge. Tasked with overseeing a region marked by its complex socio-political fabric and the ever-present border tensions, Singh's leadership was pivotal in maintaining harmony and ensuring security. His strategies, always forward-looking, emphasized community engagement and proactive diplomacy.

Globe-trotting for Intelligence: Damascus to The Hague

Singh's tenure in Damascus was characterized by astute observation and strategic intelligence gathering, vital for India's interests in the region. Even in challenging circumstances, like the safety concerns regarding his daughter, Singh's resolve never wavered, and his commitment to duty remained paramount.

In The Hague, Singh's role underwent a transformation. Instead of the traditional intelligence operations, he immersed himself in the world of international diplomacy and law. This assignment, set against the backdrop of Europe's political architecture, showcased Singh's versatility and his ability to adapt, learn, and lead in diverse environments.

Singh's journey is a testament to dedication, resilience, and the ceaseless pursuit of national interest, even amidst personal challenges. His story serves as an inspiration for future generations, illuminating the path of honor, duty, and integrity.

Defection Claims

Singh initially served in the Indian Army, reaching the rank of Major.[3] He later volunteered to join R&AW. It has been alleged that he fell for a CIA honey-trap, likely either at the R&AW station in Damascus or Hague during the early 1990s by a female case officer of the CIA.[4] According to reports, he attracted attention from counter-intelligence officials when he was found photocopying documents not related to his work. After coming under suspicion, he was placed under surveillance and his phone conversations were tapped, but in May 2004, he disappeared.[5] He is suspected of having escaped to the U.S. via Nepal.[6]

In Mission R&AW, a book written by a former R&AW officer, it is claimed that Singh flew to America from Kathmandu along with his wife on 7 May 2004 using a fake identity in the name of Mr and Mrs Rajpal Prasad Sharma. The R&AW unit at Kathmandu did nothing despite clear intelligence on Singh's escape plans. It is also claimed that R&AW managed to get copies of their visas and embarkation cards. These documents reveal that the CIA, on 7 April 2004, issued US passport number 017384251 to Singh. His wife Parminder Kaur was also given a US passport on the same day in the name of Deepa Kumar Sharma. Both boarded Austrian Air flight number 5032 on 7 May 2004, from Kathmandu. He was assisted by CIA operative David M Vacala.[7]

Tracking in the USA by R&AW

In 2007, in an affidavit submitted to the court, R&AW deposed that Singh has been traced to New Jersey.[8] It is believed that, meanwhile, Singh has filed for asylum in US, under the name of Surenderjeet Singh, which was rejected by the trial court but remanded back for reconsideration by the court of appeals.[9] There has been no official proof however that Surenderjeet Singh is an alias of Rabinder Singh.[10]

Reports suggest Singh left his role under ambiguous circumstances in 2004, amidst allegations of intelligence ties with the CIA. Subsequent narratives, including claims from a former R&AW officer's book, provided varying accounts of Singh's journey post-2004.

Death Controversey

According to Indian government sources, he was killed in Maryland in the USA in a road accident in late 2016. He was living there as a refugee, having been cash-strapped after the CIA had stopped paying him money. US intelligence had blocked his application for asylum and his attempts to obtain a job with a think tank run by a former CIA senior officer were blocked too.[4]

See also

External sources

References
  1. "Was missing spy Rabinder Singh a CIA mole in RAW? The real behind the scene story". Archived from the original on 5 December 2005. Retrieved 6 September 2005. "Was missing spy Rabinder Singh a CIA mole in RAW? The real behind the scene story" (India Daily)
  2. Spy versus Spy: Games India and the US play
  3. "Remember Rabinder Singh?". Rediff. 23 May 2005. Retrieved 14 September 2019.
  4. Rabinder Singh, spy who defected to US, is no more: Double agent lived his last years as a remorseful recluse, First Post, 7 July 2018.
  5. "The Spy Chronicles: Two Wayfarers On The Bridge Of Spies | Outlook India Magazine". 4 February 2022.
  6. "Our Man in New Delhi". Archived from the original on 29 March 2008. Retrieved 28 April 2008.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: unfit URL (link) "Our Man in New Delhi" (Frontline)
  7. Yadav, Yatish. "Former Spy Reveals Secrets of Research and Analysis Wing". The New Indian Express. Retrieved 6 April 2014.
  8. "Rabinder in US, we want him back: RAW in court - Indian Express". www.indianexpress.com. Archived from the original on 7 March 2008. Retrieved 5 April 2016.
  9. http://www.ca9.uscourts.gov/ca9/newopinions.nsf/1979AF53DE5277E988256F7200806B72/$file/0371868.pdf?openelement
  10. "I worked for RAW, was told to kill a Sikh leader: Asylum plea in US court - Indian Express". archive.indianexpress.com. Retrieved 5 April 2016.
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