7 top intelligence agencies in the world

The Research and Analysis Wing (RAW) is the external intelligence agency of India which monitors developments in the neighbouring countries that have a direct bearing on India’s National security and carry out covert operations to protect India’s National interests.

China's Ministry of State Security (MSS) has gained prominence under Xi Jinping's leadership, shedding its secretive image to become highly visible. The MSS is perhaps the most secretive of all Chinese security agencies.

The Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) is the Civilian Foreign Intelligence Service of the Federal Government of the USA which was founded on September 18, 1947.

The Inter Services Intelligence (ISI) is Pakistan's primary intelligence agency, responsible for gathering and analysing information that is relevant to the country's national security. The ISI's headquarters are in Aabpara, Islamabad in Pakistan.

The Foreign Intelligence Service (SVR) is part of the national security system and is called upon to protect individuals, society and the state from foreign threats. The President of the Russian Federation oversees the activity of SVR.

The Australian Security Intelligence Organisation (ASIO) is Australia's domestic intelligence and national security agency. It protects the country and its citizens from espionage, sabotage, terrorism, and other threats.

The Secret Intelligence Service (SIS), also known as MI6, is the United Kingdom's foreign intelligence agency. MI6 collects and analyses human intelligence on foreign nationals to support the UK's national security and economic well-being.