Recent revelations by intelligence officials from India and Pakistan have suggested that the Indian government assassinated Pakistan as part of a covert strategy to eliminate “perceived threats” on foreign soil.
The claims, backed by documents shared by Pakistani investigators, point to the role of India’s intelligence agency, the Reconnaissance Wing (RAW), in targeted killings abroad, according to a report by the British media outlet Guardian.
Secret ops in India
Up to 20 murders in Pakistan since 2020 are believed to have been carried out by unidentified gunmen, according to news agencies.
Despite earlier suspicions linking India to his death, this is an example of Indian intelligence officials openly discussing their involvement with Pakistan. The operation reportedly targeted individuals associated with militant groups, including the Sikh separatist movement of the Khalistan movement.
Modus operandi
Pakistani investigators say that a cell of the Indian intelligence agency, operating mainly in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), played a key role in organizing the killings.
The increase in targeted killings in 2023 is attributed to the increased activity of these cells, which are said to pay local criminals or poor Pakistanis to carry out these crimes.
In addition, Indian agents are accused of recruiting jihadists to carry out attacks, using their beliefs and killing people.
Motivation and policy change
The 2019 Pulwama attack is believed to have led to a shift towards targeting dissidents abroad.
The attack, claimed by the Pakistan-based terror group Jaish-e-Muhammad, prompted a shift in strategy by the Indian intelligence agency, emphasizing that it was a preemptive measure against threats from outside the country.
International influence and rejection
The allegations have attracted international attention, particularly because of Canada and the United States accusations against India over the killing of Sikh activists living abroad. India’s Ministry of External Affairs has categorically denied the allegations, calling them “false and malicious propaganda against India”.
However, Pakistan’s intelligence agency said there was evidence of Indian involvement in the killing.
The allegations, if proven true, could have a major impact on diplomatic relations between India and Pakistan, and other countries where covert operations are taking place. In addition, the revelation raises ethical and legal issues regarding extrajudicial killings and violations of international law.
