Archishman Goswami co-edits new volume on historical roots of Indian intelligence

DPhil in International Relations student Archishman Ray Goswami has co-authored the first volume of an upcoming three-part series on the evolution, present, and future of India's intelligence community. 

The series examines the historical and cultural moorings of contemporary Indian intelligence by providing a large swathe-study of its development from antiquity to the late 20th century. 

The report situates contemporary intelligence practice in a world transformed by pervasive data, blurred boundaries between human and state security, and an emerging “unbalanced multipolarity,” all of which have reshaped who produces global intelligence. 

It introduces a three-part Observer Research Foundation series examining India’s growing role in the global intelligence landscape, with this first volume focused on the historical and cultural roots of Indian intelligence. 

Part One explores ancient and early-modern traditions—from Vedic texts and the epics to Kautilya’s statecraft, and later the Marathas’ use of speed, deception, and asymmetric operations against the Mughal Empire. 

Part Two traces the evolution of modern Indian intelligence, from the British Raj’s surveillance of revolutionary movements to the early post-Independence challenges faced by the Intelligence Bureau and the later establishment and shifting perceptions of the Research & Analysis Wing. 

The volume ultimately aims to foster informed debate on India’s intelligence capabilities at a moment when the country’s strategic prominence is rapidly rising. 
 

Archishman said: 

“India’s rise as a major mover and shaker on the world stage in recent years has been a definitive feature of international politics over the past decade. 

By focusing on the historical evolution of its intelligence culture and bureaucracy, this report sets out to achieve two interrelated goals. 

First, to contextualise and historicise New Delhi’s thinking around intelligence as a device for the achievement of strategic goals. 

And second, to expand academic and policy discourse on global intelligence cultures beyond those of traditional great powers which have prevailed over the past century’s geopolitics."