India has consistently engaged in espionage and terrorist activities abroad, and has a documented history of interference in the internal affairs of others, particularly neighbours such as Pakistan, Bangladesh, Nepal, Sri Lanka, and the Maldives. The imperative of respecting the sovereignty of other nations and refraining from involvement in their internal matters becomes paramount.
The primary rationale for non-interference lies in the profound respect for a nation’s sovereignty. Sovereignty, a fundamental tenet of international law, asserts a nation’s right to self-governance free from external interference. Upholding this principle not only conforms to global standards but also fosters a harmonious global order. Thus, a non-interference policy serves as a preemptive measure, reducing the likelihood of diplomatic crises and hostilities.
By refraining from meddling in internal matters, nations can maintain open channels of communication and seek diplomatic resolutions to global challenges, fostering negotiation and compromise for peace and cooperation. Additionally, a non-interference policy enhances bilateral relations, signaling respect for the autonomy of other countries, often leading to more cordial and productive relationships based on shared interests and cooperation.
The alignment with international norms and principles is evident in the United Nations Charter, which underscores the significance of refraining from involvement in others’ internal matters. Adherence to these norms strengthens the global framework for peaceful and lawful international relations. Furthermore, a non-interference policy upholds the right to self-determination, allowing countries to shape their governance, culture, and policies without external pressures, promoting peaceful coexistence.
Interfering in another country’s affairs can result in unintended and adverse consequences. Therefore, a non-interference policy helps avert these inadvertent negative outcomes, contributing to global stability. Through the embrace of a non-interference policy, nations play a pivotal role in fostering a world characterized by peaceful coexistence and diminished potential for international disputes and hostilities.
India has been involved in interventionist endeavours across various nations, utilizing RAW as a tool to extend its influence beyond its borders. RAW, the Research and Analysis Wing, India’s external intelligence agency, has long been cloaked in secrecy and speculation due to its clandestine operations abroad. Its activities abroad have raised objections as they infringe upon the sovereignty of other nations. It is entrusted with gathering intelligence and executing covert operations overseas. Established in 1968, RAW’s fundamental objective is to safeguard India’s national security by gathering information on external threats, encompassing both military and non-military aspects, and executing operations to protect and advance India’s interests globally
However, allegations have surfaced regarding RAW’s activities outside India. One of the enduring accusations is its purported support for insurgent groups and separatist movements in neighbours, with Pakistan a prominent example.
RAW has allegedly provided material and financial assistance to various insurgent factions, thereby fueling regional instability. Additionally, RAW has faced accusations of espionage in foreign countries, involving the gathering of sensitive intelligence and jeopardizing their national security. These allegations have frequently strained India’s relations with its neighbours. RAW has been implicated in covert operations aimed at destabilizing governments and promoting political change in neighbors, contravening the principle of non-interference. It has been linked to acts of sabotage in foreign countries, including cyberattacks and terrorism, resulting in significant diplomatic repercussions.
RAW has been accused of supporting terrorist activities within Pakistan, such as the case of Kulbhushan Yadav, implicated in espionage and terrorism in Balochistan. Yadav was apprehended by Pakistani security forces in 2016 based on information provided by the ISI. RAW has allegedly operated from neighbouring countries’ territories with the aim of destabilizing Pakistan. Pakistan has borne the brunt of India’s alleged efforts to foment division along ethnic lines, enduring prolonged unrest and conflict in regions such as Balochistan and KPK.
The Indian media’s involvement in what can be called “media terrorism” extends to spreading false propaganda and misinformation about Pakistan, orchestrated by India and its leadership. Attempts to mislead the people of Pakistan and AJK are continuous.
The world must examine India’s malicious role in promoting terrorism in other countries and consider declaring India a terrorist state. Teaching a lesson to an international terrorist state is essential for creating a peaceful world.
The populace of AJK dismisses statements from Indian politicians and media, especially those attempting to draw parallels between IIOK and AJK. Recent protests in AJK, misinterpreted as hostility towards Pakistan, have led Indian politicians and media to suggest AJK align with India. Indian Home Minister Amit Shah claimed AJK residents are unhappy with Pakistan, while Indian intellectuals, anchors, and journalists have proposed AJK secede to India.
However, AJK residents largely see these statements as jests. In reality, they express considerable satisfaction with Pakistan, appreciating its special autonomous status. Recent protests in AJK were focused on basic demands, not against Pakistan. AJK residents enjoy full rights within Pakistan, contrasting with India’s history of unrest, particularly in Indian-occupied Kashmir. Allegations of human rights abuses and political repression persist in regions like Indian-administered Kashmir, exacerbated since Article 370’s revocation.
India should address grievances in Kashmir and other parts of the country instead of scapegoating Pakistan. It’s crucial for India to address dissent within its own territories, including Indian Punjab, Kashmir, and Ladakh. Recent statements from Indian politicians, intellectuals, anchors, and journalists are condemned by AJK people as unwarranted interference and a disregard for India’s internal unrest.
Canada has also experienced the repercussions of Indian involvement in alleged terrorism. Recent disputes between Canada and India have drawn international attention, particularly following Canada’s announcement of credible allegations linking Indian government agents to the murder of a Sikh separatist leader in British Columbia, which significantly strained diplomatic relations. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, in an emergency statement to the House of Commons, firmly asserted that any foreign government’s involvement in the killing of a Canadian citizen constitutes “an unacceptable violation of our sovereignty.”
The victim, Hardeep Singh Nijjar, aged 45, was fatally shot outside a Sikh temple in Vancouver. Nijjar was a vocal proponent of an independent Khalistan and was officially labelled a “terrorist” by India in July 2020. Trudeau stated that Canadian security agencies had actively pursued credible allegations suggesting a potential connection between Indian government agents and Nijjar’s death.
He noted that he had directly raised the issue of the murder with Indian PM Narendra Modi during the G20 summit in New Delhi and urged the Indian government to cooperate with Canada in a thorough investigation. In response to these developments, Canada also took the unprecedented action of expelling India’s top intelligence official in the country. It’s noteworthy that the Khalsa movement has gained momentum in Canada, with Khalsa Day celebrations fuelling support for the Khalistan movement. Trudeau has pledged to protect the rights of Sikhs while actively engaging in Sikh community events.
The attempted killing of US citizen and Sikh activist Gurpatwantt Singh Pannu was allegedly sanctioned by the then-chief of RAW, Sumant Goyal. According to reports from American media outlets, American intelligence agencies claim that hired assassins were contacted by RAW officer Vikram Yadav. The directive for the assassination was allegedly issued by RAW while Narendra Modi was visiting the US on June 23. Goyal, according to American media reports, was reportedly under significant pressure to eliminate Sikh separatists operating outside India. US agencies assert that National Security Advisor Ajit Doval was aware of this plan.
Vikram Yadav purportedly designated the assassination as a priority and provided the hired assassins with the New York address of Gurpatwant Singh. This revelation marks the first reported instance of Vikram’s identity and his affiliation with RAW. American media suggests that this connection directly implicates RAW in the assassination plot. Multiple high-ranking officials of RAW, as stated by current and former Western officials, were allegedly involved in the crime. Additionally, American agencies claim to have obtained evidence indicating possible links between the accused individuals and Modi’s inner circle.
In November 2023, US agencies uncovered a conspiracy to assassinate a Sikh leader, prompting US President Joe Biden to cancel a high-profile visit to India. The White House also reiterated its concerns over the reported involvement of the Indian intelligence service in two assassination plots in Canada and the USA. It was reported that an officer in India’s intelligence service was directly implicated in a foiled plan to assassinate a US citizen who is one of Modi’s most outspoken critics in the USA. This same officer was also allegedly involved in the separate shooting death of a Sikh activist in Canada last June. White House spokesperson Karine Jean-Pierre emphasized the seriousness of the matter.
Moreover, reports from Australia said RAW agents were expelled. Additionally, a few weeks ago, a court in Qatar sentenced eight former Indian navy personnel to death, accusing them of espionage for Israel. Among those convicted were three ex-captains, four ex-commanders and an ex-sailor. These former naval personnel were employed by Al Dahra Global Technologies and Consultancy Services, a private company owned by a former Oman Air Force officer. India’s trajectory seems to be leading towards increased international embarrassment and isolation. Under Modi’s, India continues to undertake actions further tarnishing its global reputation.
The world must examine India’s malicious role in promoting terrorism in other countries and consider declaring India a terrorist state. Teaching a lesson to an international terrorist state is essential for creating a peaceful world.
