5. Research & Analysis Wing (RAW)

The foreign intelligence agency of India probably has the least conspicuous name out of all intelligence agencies in the world. Outsiders might even think it’s just a non-government organization. But don’t be fooled by the agency name – the Research and Analysis Wing is one of the most capable in the world.

4. Central Intelligence Agency (CIA)

The Central Intelligence Agency is the foreign intelligence agency of the US. It collects information from overseas, with minimal information collection within the country. It is the most popular and easily recognizable intelligence agency in the world, mainly due to its numerous appearances in Hollywood movies.

3. Foreign Intelligence Service (SVR)

The Foreign Intelligence Service is the civilian foreign intelligence agency of the Russian Federation. It is the successor to the First Chief Directorate of the KGB and works closely with the Main Intelligence Directorate, the military foreign intelligence agency of Russia.

2. Secret Intelligence Service (SIS)

The Secret Intelligence Service is the foreign intelligence agency of the UK. Commonly known as MI6, it is the second-most popular agency on this list, a distinction it owes to the James Bond movies. Like almost all the other agencies on this list, the MI6 primarily deals with external affairs, leaving internal affairs to the MI5.

1. Mossad

Mossad is the national intelligence agency of Israel, one of the top 10 countries with the most powerful nuclear weapons in the world. It is one of the three branches of the Israeli Intelligence Community – the other two being Shin Bet and Aman, which handles internal security and military intelligence, respectively.