ISI is the intelligence agency of?

The correct answer is Pakistan.
The ISI, which stands for Inter-Services Intelligence, is the premier military-operated intelligence service of Pakistan. It is the largest and most powerful of the three main intelligence agencies in the country, the others being Military Intelligence (MI) and the Intelligence Bureau (IB). The ISI is responsible for gathering, processing, and analyzing national security information from around the world to support Pakistan's defense and foreign policy.

History and Founding:

The ISI was established in 1948 following the Indo-Pakistani War of 1947. It was created by an Australian-born British Army officer, Major General Robert Cawthome, who was then the Deputy Chief of Staff in the Pakistan Army. Originally, the goal was to improve the coordination of intelligence between the different branches of the military (Army, Navy, and Air Force)—hence the name "Inter-Services."

Leadership and Structure:

The ISI is unique because it is staffed by officers from all three branches of the Pakistan Armed Forces, though it is traditionally headed by a three-star Lieutenant General of the Pakistan Army. The head of the agency is known as the Director-General (DG ISI).

The agency is headquartered in Islamabad and is divided into several specialized departments, including:

• Joint Intelligence X (JIX): Coordinates all other departments.


• Joint Intelligence Bureau (JIB): Responsible for political intelligence.


• Joint Counter-Intelligence Bureau (JCIB): Focused on monitoring foreign diplomats and counter-espionage.


• Joint Intelligence North (JIN): Responsible for the Jammu and Kashmir region.

Global Influence and Role:

The ISI gained significant international prominence during the 1980s during the Soviet-Afghan War. Working closely with the American CIA and the Saudi intelligence services, the ISI managed the logistics, training, and funding of the Mujahideen fighters who eventually forced the Soviet Union to withdraw from Afghanistan.

In the modern era, the ISI remains a critical player in regional geopolitics. Its primary roles include:

• Counter-Terrorism: Tracking and neutralizing militant groups within and outside the country.


• Strategic Analysis: Providing the government with assessments on regional rivals and international developments.


• Cyber Security: Protecting Pakistan's digital infrastructure from foreign state-sponsored attacks.

Distinguishing from Regional Rivals:

In general knowledge exams, the ISI is often contrasted with the intelligence agencies of its neighbors:

• India: The equivalent is R&AW (Research and Analysis Wing).


• Afghanistan: Historically the NDS (National Directorate of Security).


• Iran: The MOIS or VEVAK.