A K Verma's Demise – An Irreparable Loss to Security and Strategic Community

The obituary notice for the prayer meeting to condole the sad and sudden demise of Shri A K Verma, former Chief of India's external intelligence R&AW and Director General Security, most aptly, summed up the man himself in just a few words. "He was a great patriot and served his country, till the end, with honour, dignity, devotion and hard work". Having had the privilege of knowing Shri Verma for many years, both as a professional and as a human being, I can vouch for all that and for more. As a professional, he was a hard task master, unwilling to compromise on quality, and above all, demanded total loyalty and commitment.

That's what Anand Kumar Verma was through out his 37 plus years of active service first in the Indian Police Service (IPS) commencing 1953 in Madhya Pradesh cadre, followed by a long stint of over a decade in the Intelligence Bureau (IB) under the ‘earmarking’ scheme. Needless to say he excelled in both. His sharp intuitive operational skills coupled with a decisive analytical mind, announced the arrival of a new star in the shining galaxy of intelligence world, then dominated by the likes of Mr. B N Malik, R N Kao, K Shankaran Nair and others.

With the creation of Research and Analysis Wing (R&AW) in 1968, hiving out the external intelligence responsibilities off the IB, A K Verma (AKV) along with many others joined the new outfit primarily on in situ basis. A new exciting journey of 22 long years thus began and reached the pinnacle in 1987 with his appointment as the 'Chief' of R&AW by PM Rajiv Gandhi, to succeed another stalwart Late Shri S E Joshi. I had the proud privilege of knowing and working closely with both these ‘Chiefs’.

Shri Verma headed the premier intelligence organization for 3 years (1987-1990). These were extremely complex years in terms of India’s critical national Interests from Sri Lanka to Pakistan, Afghanistan, Nepal and Burma, there were serious developments and challenges of different types with long term implications for India. Besides these, the then USSR was heading towards ultimate break up; resumption of ties with China was under consideration; political uncertainties prevailed in Afghanistan; Nepal, Burma and Sri Lanka. In brief, whichever way one looked, there was a major role cut out for the agency in terms of providing critical policy inputs. The young PM was demanding and gave serious consideration to R&AW’s inputs, leaving virtually no margin for error.

Much has been written in the media about the role played by AKV in back channel diplomacy mode with Pakistan that ‘nearly resolved’ some of the real thorny bilateral issues. What is perhaps not as well known is the crucial role he played in facilitating resumption of normal ties with China or even the role played by him in shaping the government’s policies in Afghanistan. Rajiv Gandhi chose AKV in a back channel role to carry out intense and protracted negotiations with China that led to eventual resumption of high level exchanges between the two countries.

Mr. Verma did not disappoint the young Prime Minister who had by then realized the Power of intelligence in shaping the new emerging India's destiny. He decided to empower and strengthen the organization and said, "More should be done to make service in R&AW attractive", for the best talent to join. The task of rebuilding the outfit,10 years after the severe jolt and near collapse in the post-emergency cuts had also to be undertaken under AKV’s guidance along side the operational challenges. He developed the concept that Intelligence was not a normal bureaucracy and therefore, not subject to normal rules and procedures - one was surprised that it worked. His mantra was, “If something is important and had to be done, we shall do it. If rules had to be changed, so be it." This was the most exciting period for the organization that gave us the unique opportunity to learn the 'game' from the master; the best in the field.

Even after his retirement, AKV remained extremely active both physically and intellectually. He wrote copiously on different topics of national import. He played a key role in the newly formed professional grouping called 'Association of Retired Senior IPS Officers' (ARSIPSO) and till recently, was also it's President. In a fitting tribute to his contribution the ARSIPSO said, "Shri Verma was one of the Titans of Indian police. Elegant in dress and manners, professional to the core, intellectually alert and vibrant, a charismatic leader, he was an exemplar and an inspiration to us all. His dignity, poise and unfailing graciousness endeared him to all those who came to know him".

Given his abiding commitment to national security and well being, Mr Verma readily joined the Vivekananda International Foundation (VIF) as one of the founding members of the VIF Advisory Board. He regularly attended and actively participated in VIF programmes till the sad end came so suddenly. To me personally and as member of the VIF community, Mr. Verma's demise is an irreparable loss. VIF will miss him; the think tank and strategic community too will miss him.

Vivekananda International Foundation, in this hour of grave loss and tragedy, conveys heart felt condolences to Mrs Nalini Verma and members of the bereaved family. Our prayers are with them. Rest In Peace Mr Verma.