Daijiworld Media Network - New Delhi
New Delhi, Oct 8: Indian intelligence agencies have flagged alarming reports that several missionaries in India are being used by Western powers for intelligence gathering and for pushing an anti-India agenda, according to official sources.
In recent months, conversion mafias have been busted in Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Odisha, and Meghalaya, revealing networks involving foreign nationals on tourist and business visas.
Investigations found that these operatives were targeting vulnerable populations, particularly tribals, by offering free healthcare and education. While religious conversion was a key element, agencies suspect that those converted were also being used for intelligence gathering and propaganda.
Officials said these groups were spreading false, anti-India narratives through vulnerable recruits, who were later used to further infiltrate communities.
A breakthrough came with the arrest of US national James Watson (58) from Bhiwandi, Maharashtra. Watson, son of a retired US Navy official, was allegedly part of a well-oiled, sophisticated network engaged in conversion and intelligence activities. Links to similar networks in Odisha, Karnataka, Madhya Pradesh, and Meghalaya have been uncovered, pointing to a large syndicate.
“This is not just about conversion. There are various other aspects involved, including intelligence gathering and attempts to alter voting patterns in tribal belts by spreading anti-government propaganda,” an official told the media.
Foreign nationals involved in the racket reportedly entered India under the guise of tourists or businessmen, but were in fact linked to covert operations.
Similar modules have also been busted in Punjab, where conversions through Masih practices and baptism have sparked local Sikh protests. Despite opposition, officials say the mafia is too entrenched to be easily dismantled.
The agencies are also probing visa misuse, which has reportedly occurred in nearly 250 cases over the past five to six years.
These revelations come after Uttar Pradesh police uncovered a major conversion module run by Chhangur Baba, allegedly funded from Dubai, the US, and Canada. This module was reportedly linked to the banned Popular Front of India (PFI) and was involved in large-scale conversions.
While religious conversions have long been a concern, intelligence officials warn that the newer, more sophisticated methods now involve espionage, attempts to destabilize governments, and influence over voting patterns across multiple states, including Tamil Nadu and the northeast.