Intelligence Agencies Warn of Increased Espionage and Disinformation from Pakistan’s ISI Against India

Intelligence agencies have issued warnings that Pakistan’s Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) is actively working to expand its espionage network across India, despite several such operations being disrupted last year. Officials report that Pakistan’s intelligence agency is pursuing a comprehensive strategy that extends beyond traditional espionage activities.

According to sources familiar with the matter, the ISI plans to launch a large-scale disinformation campaign targeting India, with particular focus on spreading false narratives about the Indian armed forces. The agency reportedly aims to recruit individuals and organizations to stage protests questioning government policies as part of this broader initiative.

“This is part of the larger game plan of the ISI to make violence and terror as home-grown as possible, so that Pakistan would have the deniability factor,” explained one intelligence official who requested anonymity. The strategy combines false narratives, orchestrated protests, and expanded espionage networks, along with establishing local terror modules similar to one recently dismantled in Faridabad.

Security analysts note that Pakistan has shifted tactics in recent years. “Pakistan is not immediately looking to sending its terrorists. Post ‘Operation Sindoor’, most of their terror networks are down. Further infiltrations are hard to execute due to heavy security,” said an official with knowledge of cross-border activities.

Beyond its India-focused operations, the ISI is reportedly devoting significant resources to establishing a presence in Bangladesh, with the goal of creating launch pads for operations targeting India’s northeastern states, according to intelligence sources.

An Intelligence Bureau official emphasized that among the various plans being developed by the ISI, the establishment of an espionage network and the orchestration of disinformation campaigns pose the most significant threats to national security.

“Pakistan is looking to engineer something on the lines of Bangladesh and Nepal, where protests erupt across the country where a regime change would be demanded,” the official stated. The campaigns would specifically aim to undermine public trust in India’s armed forces, portraying them as weak or compromised.

Intelligence reports suggest the ISI intends to infiltrate existing protest movements across India, potentially turning peaceful demonstrations violent while expanding their reach. While such tactics have been employed previously, current intelligence indicates plans for significantly larger-scale operations.

The ISI’s efforts to build its espionage network have reportedly intensified since Operation Sindoor. Primary recruitment methods include honey-trapping, but the agency is also targeting individuals with specific vulnerabilities – those facing financial difficulties, harboring certain ideological leanings, or dealing with personal issues. Sources indicate that Pakistan is prepared to invest substantial financial resources in developing this network.

These developments come amid reports that Pakistan’s army chief, Field Marshal Asim Munir, may be considering more aggressive actions against India. Intelligence sources suggest Munir is seeking to restore his reputation following the setbacks of Operation Sindoor and divert attention from Pakistan’s domestic challenges. There are also concerns that he believes he might secure U.S. support in any potential military confrontation with India.

In response to these evolving threats, India’s Union Home Ministry has launched the National Counter Terrorism Policy. The National Investigation Agency has developed a common Anti-Terrorism Squad structure that has been distributed to state police forces to ensure uniform preparedness at all levels.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah has directed all director generals of police to implement the new policy, which officials describe as crucial given Pakistan’s persistent efforts to interfere in India’s internal affairs and threaten its national security.