Operation Twilight | R&aw Nail Biting Mission T... Apr 2026

: The mission utilized a mix of psychological warfare, political funding of rebel/pro-democracy groups, and rapid paramilitary action to ensure a smooth transition with minimal casualties.

: Following India's 1971 war victory, Prime Minister Indira Gandhi directed R.N. Kao to rectify the "mistake" of Sikkim's special status. R&AW supported pro-democracy leader Kazi Lhendup Dorjee, who won 31 out of 32 seats in the 1974 elections.

Planned by R&AW's founding chief, , the operation was designed to neutralize foreign influence from China, Pakistan, and the USA while supporting pro-democracy movements against the Chogyal (monarch) of Sikkim. Key Phases of the Mission Operation Twilight | R&AW Nail Biting Mission t...

The Chogyal was subsequently removed from power, and Sikkim officially became the 22nd state of India. Notable Personnel & Tactics

: K. Sankaran Nair was appointed by Kao to oversee the final phase, which focused on dismantling the Chogyal’s authority while maintaining a facade of legitimacy. The Final Strike (April 1975) : : The mission utilized a mix of psychological

On April 8 and 9, 1975, Indian forces moved to disarm the Sikkim Guards.

A brief 20-minute confrontation occurred at the palace gate. One Sikkim guard was killed, and the rest were disarmed shortly after. R&AW supported pro-democracy leader Kazi Lhendup Dorjee, who

: While Doval is famous for his undercover work as a "rickshaw puller" during Operation Black Thunder II (1988) at the Golden Temple, his legend as a "super cop" is often discussed alongside R&AW's greatest historical missions like Twilight.