Date : 6/12/2023

Relevance: GS Paper3- Internal Security- Mandate and Operation of Intelligence Agencies

Keywords: Khalistani separatists, R&AW, Operation Hornet, NATO, Five Eyes, Hard and Soft Power

Context-

• In the intricate realm of espionage and covert operations, recent developments have cast a dark shadow on India's standing in the global arena.
• The United States Department of Justice's indictment against an Indian national, Nikhil Gupta, for allegedly targeting Khalistani separatists in North America at the behest of a government official, raises critical questions about India's covert capacity and public messaging.

Challenges in Friendly Courts:

• This indictment adds to a series of intelligence operations that faced legal challenges in friendly countries in recent years.
• From the controversial return of a United Arab Emirates princess in 2018 to the attempted extradition of businessman Mehul Choksi in 2021 and the conviction of Indian naval officers in Qatar for espionage, India's covert actions have been under scrutiny.
• The government's stance on these operations remains ambiguous, creating a narrative that security agencies are empowered to carry out such activities without official acknowledgment.

The Kulbhushan Jadhav Case:

• The ongoing trial of former Indian naval officer Kulbhushan Jadhav in Pakistan, challenged by India at the International Court of Justice (ICJ), adds another layer of complexity.
• Jadhav's business operations from Iran, a friendly neighbor, raise questions about the extent of India's involvement in covert activities in the region.

US-India Security Cooperation:

• The recent U.S. indictment against Nikhil Gupta brings to light the complexities in the security cooperation between India and the U.S.
• Despite high-level meetings between leaders and intelligence officials from both countries, the U.S. appears cautious and has not fully disclosed the information it possesses.
• This lack of transparency raises concerns about the level of trust between the two nations, reminiscent of the intelligence-sharing dynamics during the 2008 Mumbai attacks.

Trust Deficit and Information Sharing:

• The U.S.'s focus on the conspiracy to murder Khalistani figures, rather than curbing their activities, signals a lack of trust in the information provided by India.
• This distrust mirrors historical incidents, such as the 26/11 terror threat, where the U.S. warned India but did not disclose crucial information about the source, compromising subsequent legal proceedings.

Double Standards and International Engagements:

• India's reaction to the allegations, especially its differing responses to Canada and the U.S., raises questions about its international engagements.
• By rejecting Canadian allegations outright and accepting U.S. allegations more calmly, India displays a double standard that may impact its relationships with Western allies, including the "Five Eyes" intelligence partnership.

Impact on Bilateral Ties:

• The unfolding events may have implications for the longer arc of the U.S.-India relationship.
• While the short-term focus remains on President Biden's attendance at the Republic Day parade and the Quad summit, the trust deficit could affect the strategic ties and cooperation between the two nations in the future.

Neighborhood Dynamics:

• Beyond bilateral relations, India must address the repercussions of the case in its immediate neighborhood.
• Countries like Sri Lanka and Bangladesh, initially supportive of India, may reconsider their stance as details of the U.S. indictment emerge.
• South Asian capitals will scrutinize India's agency footprints, requiring a diplomatic effort to reassure neighbors about India's actions and intentions.

Image Projection on the Global Stage:

• Ultimately, the lasting impact of this episode hinges on the image India wishes to project globally.
• Will it be perceived as a "hard power" willing to risk international ties for its perceived threats, or as an advocate of international law that seeks diplomatic means to achieve its ends?
• The Ministry of External Affairs' assertion that covert assassinations are not government policy underscores the need for a deeper investigation into whether India's actions align with its values and interests.

Conclusion

In the complex web of espionage, legal challenges, and international relations, India finds itself at a crossroads. The recent U.S. indictment exposes vulnerabilities in trust, information sharing, and image projection. As the government grapples with the allegations, it must navigate the intricate balance between safeguarding national interests and upholding international norms.
The repercussions extend beyond the immediate crisis, influencing India's standing in the global arena and shaping the trajectory of its relationships with key allies. The world watches as India treads the delicate path between covert operations and diplomatic finesse, and the choices made today will reverberate in the corridors of global power for years to come.

Source- The Hindu