New Delhi

India's External intelligence agency, the Research and Analysis Wing (R&AW), celebrated its 55th anniversary on Wednesday with National Security Advisor Ajit Doval presenting medals to 106 officers and men of the agency for meritorious services and outstanding work.

Secretary of the R&AW Sumant Kumar Goyal gave Doval a broad overview of his priority areas and performance during one year.

The role of the R&AW is to assess threats to India from abroad and advise the government on options that can be used to counter a potential adversary. Speaking to the officers and men of the R&AW, Doval gave his assessment of the global security environment and key areas of impact that the spy agency needs to focus on.

The R&AW reports through Doval to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who heads national security planning and implementation.

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It may be recalled that some mischievous elements had spread false news that NSA Doval being down with health issue during PM Modi's visit to Samarkand for Shanghai Cooperation Organization summit. However, this turned out to be fake news.