Summary
Vappala Balachandran (Wikipedia) joins Andrew (Twitter; LinkedIn) to discuss his career and the ancient roots of espionage in India. Bala formerly served as Special Secretary for India’s Cabinet Secretariat.
What You’ll Learn
Intelligence
India’s Research and Analysis Wing
The Tamil Tigers’ threat to Indian national security
Intelligence considerations within India-Pakistan relations
Lessons in intelligence from Ancient India
Reflections
Intelligence, the 2nd oldest profession
Transitioning from leader to student
And much, much more …
Quotes of the Week
“There was a lot of pressure. There was a lot of pressure, especially, for example: Certain incidents happening – What would be the repercussions in India? Now, anything that happens in Pakistan, it will have some repercussions in India. And, same thing in Afghanistan, and then all the neighboring countries, we are to watch them.” – Vappala Balachandran.
Resources
SURFACE SKIM
*SpyCasts*
Irish Garda Intelligence Chief with Assistant Commissioner Michael McElgunn (2023)
Venice’s Secret Service with Ioanna Iordanou (2023)
Indian Intelligence & Cyber, A Conversation with Sameer Patil, ORF Mumbai (2023)
Intelligence & the World’s Largest Democracy with Former Indian Intelligence Director Vikram Sood (2021)
*Beginner Resources*
The Entire History of India in Under 10 Minutes, Made in History, YouTube (2022) [10 min. Video]
RAW: A History of India’s Covert Operations, Y. Yadav, New Indian Express (2020) [Short article]
Timeline: India-Pakistan Relations, A. Hashim, Al Jazeera (2019) [Historical timeline]
DEEPER DIVE
Primary Sources
Agreement on a ceasefire between Sri Lanka and the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (2022)
Pradhan Inquiry Commission Report, 26/11 Mumbai Terror Attacks (2009)
Lessons from the Mumbai Terrorist Attacks, US Senate Hearing (2009)
Kautilya’s Arthashastra (1915 translation)
Thiruvalluvar’s Tirukkuṟaḷ (1886 translation)
The Police Act (1861)
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“Former Senior Indian Intelligence Officer” – R&AW Special Secretary Vappala Balachandran | SpyCast podcast - Listen or read transcript on Metacast
