Terror rising

Terrorism has become a complicated problem worldwide, and in recent years, state-sponsored terrorism has become a major worry. Incidents like the 9/11 attacks have highlighted the frequency of activities carried out by intelligence organizations such as the Indian Research and Analysis Wing (RAW), endangering the stability and sovereignty of adjacent countries. Even in the face of international rules that oppose meddling in the domestic affairs of sovereign governments, RAW’s long history of interventionism and espionage, which dates back years, continues to influence the way it approaches regional geopolitics. RAW operates with a mandate that goes beyond traditional information gathering, frequently using disruptive measures to assert India’s regional influence. This mandate is influenced by doctrines like Kautilya’s Arthashastra.

RAW was created in 1968 to strengthen India’s external intelligence capabilities in the wake of the country’s intelligence lapses during the India-China border war. Since then, though, its purview has broadened to include a variety of clandestine operations, including meddling in nearby conflicts and domestic political matters. With a great deal of autonomy in carrying out its mission, RAW operates directly under the Indian prime minister. Although RAW’s stated purpose is as an external intelligence organization, its engagement in domestic Indian affairs highlights its multifarious role in moulding the country’s foreign and domestic policies, frequently obfuscating the distinction between covert operations and intelligence collection.

Narendra Modi’s tenure as India’s prime minister has been characterized by Hindutva, a nationalist movement based on Hindu supremacy. Allegations of extremism and state-sponsored violence have resulted from the growing adoption of this ideology by state institutions, including intelligence services, under his leadership. A disturbing example of this trend is the alleged participation of Indian operatives in a plot to kill a Sikh leader in the US.

The conspiracy to assassinate American Sikh leader Gurpatwant Singh Pannu has sent shockwaves through the international community, prompting investigations and condemnations. The purported participation of Indian intelligence operatives in the conspiracy to kill Pannu is not a singular event, but rather a component of a larger trend of state-sponsored terrorism with international implications.

This pattern is further reinforced by reports that connect Indian operatives to the murder of Sikh leader Hardeep Singh Nijjar in Canada, presenting a worrisome image of state-approved extrajudicial violence. Such claims highlight the pressing requirement for an extensive probe into the operations of the Indian intelligence establishment and the involvement of government players in terror attacks abroad. The world community has taken note of the seriousness of India’s suspected state terrorism. Comments by international leaders like Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and the testimony by US Assistant Secretary of State Donald Lu before the US Congress Committee revealing the depth of India’s alleged state terrorism, implicating Indian government officials in the nefarious plot, should be taken as strong warnings in response to the allegations.

Due to the seriousness of the situation, Washington brought up the matter with New Delhi, straining diplomatic ties and raising questions about state actors’ accountability for committing acts of violence outside of their boundaries. The world waited anxiously to see India’s response to the severe charges as charges grew but to no avail and Western media outlets examined the details of the plot.

The gravity of the situation and the pressing need for an open inquiry into India’s intelligence operations are highlighted by their demands for justice and responsibility. The world is waiting impatiently for India’s reaction to the accusations that have damaged its reputation globally, as diplomatic tensions boil and calls for action intensify.

World peace and security have been seriously threatened by terrorism ever since the turn of the 21st century. By using various forms of coercion, Indian RAW was able to create, arm, train, and finance terrorist groups like the TTP and various militant outfits in Pakistan, and in other countries. India attempts to destabilize the target nation to undermine its economic progress or exert control over its economy. It is time for regional countries to be united and take action against Indian aggression. The purported engagement of Indian intelligence operatives in the plot to kill Sikh leaders overseas signifies the perilous intensification of state-sponsored terrorism that carries extensive consequences.

India’s intelligence agencies are accused of forsaking their duty to maintain national security in favour of extrajudicial measures meant to advance the goal of the ruling regime, all under the shadow of Narendra Modi’s leadership. Those guilty must be held accountable as the world community struggles to deal with the impact of these discoveries. Ensuring justice for the victims of state-sponsored terrorism and breaking the dark web of Indian intelligence requires transparency, accountability, and respect for democratic norms. The only way to reveal the shadow world of Indian intelligence and open the door to a future free from oppression and tyranny is by working together to defend rule of law.

The writer is a freelance contributor and writes on issues concerning national and regional security. She can be reached at: omayaimen333@gmail.com