At a time when international diplomacy and global politics should revolve around cooperation and peace-building, a chilling narrative emerges from India—a narrative of alleged state-sponsored violence transcending borders.
The startling accusations against India's external intelligence agency, RAW (Research and Analysis Wing), have sparked a global uproar and demand a stern re-examination of accountability standards in international relations.
The agency has allegedly been carrying out assassinations abroad as part of an emboldened approach to national security after 2019.
The allegations against India were made public last year by none other but Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, who said his country had obtained intelligence inputs, making it clear that “agents of the government of India” were complicit in the shooting death of prominent Sikh leader, Hardeep Singh Nijjar, in British Columbia in June.
The United States also charged a former RAW official, Vikash Yadav, for allegedly orchestrating a failed plot to assassinate Sikh activist Gurpatwant Singh Pannun residing in New York City. The US Justice Department has charged the former Indian intelligence officer with murder-for-hire and money laundering.
Further incriminating RAW's international operations, several other countries have reported disruptive Indian espionage activities.
In 2023, Qatar handed down death sentences to eight former Indian Navy officials on serious espionage charges. Similarly, in 2021, Australia expelled Indian spies who were caught attempting to gather sensitive defence information, suggesting a systemic pattern of foreign interference by Indian intelligence.
The killing of Hardeep Singh Nijjar has particularly strained Indo-Canadian relations, with India vehemently denying the allegations, calling them "baseless and unacceptable."
Despite India’s denials, the international backlash has been significant, leading to a diplomatic rift with Canada that underscores the broader geopolitical ramifications of these actions.
Pakistan has been vocal about its accusations, repeatedly condemning the targeted killings of Kashmiri activists, allegedly by RAW agents.
Reportedly, 20 persons including Kashmiri activists have been killed since 2020 during the attacks carried out by unknown gunmen inside Pakistan.
The Pakistani Ministry of Foreign Affairs has labelled these acts as "extraterritorial killings" and "state-sponsored terrorism," accusing India of using such tactics as part of a broader campaign against Kashmiris. This tension is exacerbated by the presence of Indian secret agents in Afghanistan, perceived by Pakistan as a direct threat to its national security.
Prominent global publications, including The Washington Post and The Guardian, have documented India’s targeting of individuals who criticize the government’s policies or advocate for marginalized communities. This includes the alleged circulation of lists marking Kashmiri activists for assassination, a tactic purportedly aimed at suppressing dissent and instilling fear among critics of India's governmental agenda.
The inflammatory rhetoric from top Indian leaders further complicates the situation. During election campaigns, figures like Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Home Minister Amit Shah, and Defence Minister Rajnath Singh have made statements that appear to endorse such extrajudicial measures.
For instance, Amit Shah's assertion, “We will kill them in their homes,” mirrors a disturbing endorsement of state-sanctioned violence, contributing to a culture of impunity.
The financial aspect of these operations also raises concerns, with reports suggesting that funds might be channelled through complex networks to finance these covert operations, potentially involving money laundering and terrorism financing.
The lack of decisive action from the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) on these issues is particularly perplexing and points to a significant oversight in global financial governance.
The tepid response from the international community, with few exceptions like Canada, highlights a double standard in addressing human rights violations and upholding international law.
While Canada has taken a firm stance, other nations have largely remained silent, raising questions about the efficacy and equality of international diplomatic responses to such serious accusations.
The implications of these actions extend beyond individual victims; they threaten the very fabric of democracy and human rights in the region.
The targeted killings serve as a warning to others who might dare to speak out against the Indian government’s policies. The chilling effect of such violence stifles dissent and creates an environment where fear prevails over freedom of expression.
This is particularly concerning in a nation that prides itself on being the world’s largest democracy.
It is imperative for the global community to reassess its approach to international justice and human rights.
The evidence presented demands a unified and robust response to ensure accountability and uphold the principles of democracy and human dignity. The call for international action is clear: it is time to confront and curtail state-sponsored violence to protect the foundational values of peace and justice worldwide.
(The writer is Chairman of, the Kashmir Institute of International Relations (KIIR), Islamabad. He can be reached via email: saleeemwani@hotmail.com)
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