by Arnab Baidya 23 November 2023
In the intricate realm of international relations, recent events have thrust India into the spotlight, exposing a shadowy world of espionage and covert operations. The sentencing of eight former Indian naval officers to death in Qatar on charges of spying for Israel has not only sent shockwaves across India but has also ignited a broader conversation about the country’s involvement in intelligence activities. This incident, far from being an isolated case, appears to be part of a larger pattern that challenges India’s proclaimed identity as a shining democracy.
The eight individuals, including Captain Navtej Gill and Commander Sugunakar Pakala, were arrested in August 2022 for allegedly spying for Israel while working for a private company, Dahra Global, owned by Omani Air Force Officer Khamis al-Ajami. Their mission, overseeing the induction of U212 stealth submarines as part of a Qatari Navy deal with Italian Shipyard Fincantieri SpA, took an unexpected turn with accusations of transferring confidential data to Israel. The arrest was based on intercepted electronic communications, raising questions about India’s involvement in covert intelligence operations, particularly in its neighboring regions.
India’s response to these arrests has been a delicate mix of diplomatic efforts to secure the officers’ release and downplaying the severity of the incident. The lack of official clarification on the charges, however, has fueled concerns within the Indian government itself. The gravity of the situation becomes even more apparent when viewed in conjunction with India’s alleged role in a covert operation to assassinate a pro-Khalistan Canadian citizen, Hardeep Singh Nijjar, as exposed not long ago. Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s statements and the support from Western nations, including the United States and the United Kingdom, underscore the need for India to scrutinize its actions beyond its borders.
India’s growing prominence on the global stage, from hosting G20 Summits to assuming BRICS Presidency, has positioned it as a leader of the Global South and a contributor to global peace and stability. However, recent incidents have cast a shadow over this image, prompting a reevaluation of India’s actions. The Modi administration faces criticism at home for its handling of minority rights, particularly concerning Muslims and Christians. Reports from organizations like Hindutva Watch point to a concerning trend of suppressing and marginalizing these minority communities, raising questions about India’s commitment to democratic principles. The Qatar incident, in particular, is unprecedented in the context of Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) nations taking bold steps against India. Qatar’s strong action, if indeed a response to a careful investigation of India’s activities, sends a clear message that India must halt its illicit adventures. In the intricate dance of international diplomacy, such actions are not taken lightly, and they could have far-reaching consequences for bilateral relations.
India can no longer hide behind a facade of diplomacy and economic cooperation to shield its covert operations. The history of Indian spies being apprehended in Pakistan, engaged in acts aimed at spreading instability and terrorism, from Sarabjit Singh to Kashmir Singh to Kulbhushan Jadhav, is a clear violation of international law. Pakistan, a consistent victim of such Indian sabotage, has called upon the international community to take decisive action against this state-sponsored terrorism. In light of India’s unchecked covert activities, Western countries must address its actions to prevent them from evolving into a significant threat that could destabilize international relations. The global community must act decisively to preserve peace and stability, ensuring that India’s covert activities do not become a harbinger of turmoil.
The recent exposure of India’s covert operations should prompt a serious reflection on the part of the Indian government. It is time for New Delhi to acknowledge the concerns raised by the international community and engage in transparent dialogue about its intelligence activities. Cooperation with other nations, particularly those affected by Indian interference, should be sought to share evidence and build a collective understanding of the urgency in addressing this issue. Pakistan, with its firsthand experience of Indian spying and sabotage activities, should consider implementing the death sentence awarded to Kulbhushan Yadav in 2019 by the military court. Moreover, forming alliances with nations similarly affected by Indian interference, such as Qatar and Canada, can strengthen the collective voice against covert operations that threaten global peace and stability.
In conclusion, India’s espionage activities have become a matter of international concern, with recent events further complicating its global image. The Qatar incident is not an isolated case but part of a broader pattern of covert operations and intelligence activities that demand attention. It is imperative for Western nations to address India’s actions and work together to confront state-sponsored espionage and interference in the internal affairs of other nations. The international community must act decisively to ensure that India’s unchecked covert activities do not evolve into a more significant threat to global peace and stability.