Former chief of India’s Research and Analysis Wing (RAW), Amarjit Singh Dulat, has acknowledged an intelligence failure on India’s part during a recent episode of heightened tensions with Pakistan.
In an exclusive conversation with Azaad Digital, the ex-spymaster also congratulated Pakistan over Field Marshal Asim Munir’s luncheon meeting with United States (US) President Donald Trump at the White House.
When asked how India perceived the US president hosting Field Marshal Munir while Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi was not invited, Dulat responded, “Congratulations to him, to Pakistan, and everyone, that Trump invited him.”
Discussing the recent Pakistan-India conflict and what was reportedly dubbed “Operation Sindoor” on the Indian side, Dulat said that Field Marshal Munir could have been “slightly soft-hearted”. While he did not clarify the comment further, his tone suggested an appreciation of Pakistan’s approach and response during the confrontation.
Dulat also acknowledged that India’s intelligence apparatus had suffered a setback in the lead-up to the escalation. “Yes, there was an intelligence failure,” he admitted.
Commenting on the broader regional situation, including the Iran-Israel hostilities, he expressed optimism that tensions would de-escalate, adding that Trump’s invitation to Field Marshal Munir signalled potential diplomatic movement towards regional stability.
Amarjit Singh Dulat served as the chief of RAW under Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee. He later joined the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO), where he oversaw peace initiatives in Kashmir. Dulat is also the author of several books on Indian intelligence and security affairs.
