Daijiworld Media Network - New Delhi
New Delhi, Jan 3: Indian intelligence agencies have raised alarms over Pakistan’s Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) continuing its attempts to expand espionage networks in India, alongside plans for a large-scale disinformation campaign targeting the country, officials said.
Despite numerous ISI operations being foiled last year, agencies note that the Pakistan spy agency remains determined to broaden its reach. Sources revealed that Islamabad is planning to spread false narratives aimed at discrediting the Indian armed forces while attempting to influence domestic protests and question government policies.
“This is part of a wider ISI strategy to make acts of violence and terror appear homegrown, giving Pakistan plausible deniability,” an official explained. Home-grown terror modules, similar to the one recently busted in Faridabad, form part of this larger plan, alongside espionage networks and disinformation efforts.
Post Operation Sindoor, the infiltration of terrorists from across the border has become increasingly difficult due to heightened security. Pakistan is therefore focusing on indirect tactics, including espionage, honey-trapping, and recruiting vulnerable individuals—those facing financial difficulties, personal issues, or holding certain ideological leanings—to expand its network. Significant funds are reportedly being allocated to support these activities.
Intelligence officials highlighted that two of the most pressing threats are the development of espionage cells and coordinated disinformation campaigns. The latter seeks to engineer widespread protests and undermine public trust in India’s armed forces, potentially mirroring destabilisation attempts observed in Bangladesh and Nepal. ISI operatives are expected to infiltrate existing protests, amplifying their reach and turning them violent where possible.
Officials also warned that Pakistan is focusing on Bangladesh as a potential launchpad to target India’s northeastern states, underlining the regional dimension of its plans. The expansion of espionage and disinformation efforts comes amid reports that Pakistan army chief, field marshal Asim Munir, is eager for a conflict with India to regain face following setbacks in Operation Sindoor.
In response, Indian authorities are strengthening preparedness. The Union Home Ministry recently introduced the National Counter Terrorism Policy, and the National Investigation Agency has developed a unified Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS) framework for state police forces. Union Home Minister Amit Shah has directed all police directors to implement the policy, which aims to standardise counter-terrorism readiness nationwide.
Officials stressed the need for constant vigilance, noting that Pakistan’s continued attempts to meddle in India’s internal security and destabilise the region represent a significant ongoing challenge.