Targeted Killings by RAW
A recent Washington Post report reveals that since 2021, India’s external intelligence agency, RAW, has allegedly executed targeted killings of at least six individuals within Pakistan. These killings are part of a covert program, escalating the ongoing India-Pakistan rivalry.
Key Targets: Terror Group Leaders
The primary targets of these assassinations were leaders of Lashkar-e-Taiba and Jaish-e-Muhammad, militant groups accused of attacking Indian citizens and troops. Among the notable cases is the killing of Amir Sarfraz Tamba, allegedly involved in the 2013 murder of Indian prisoner Sarabjit Singh.
| Targeted Individuals | Affiliation | Alleged Connection to India | Year of Assassination |
|---|---|---|---|
| Amir Sarfraz Tamba | Lashkar-e-Taiba | Responsible for Sarabjit Singh’s death | 2021 |
| Shahid Latif | Jaish-e-Muhammad | Accused of orchestrating an attack on Indian Air Force station | 2022 |
| Hardeep Singh Nijjar | Sikh Separatist | Alleged terrorist activities in Canada | 2023 |
| Gurpatwant Pannun | Sikh Separatist | Alleged involvement in separatist activities | 2023 |
RAW’s Secret Tactics: Indirect Execution
To maintain plausible deniability, RAW allegedly used local criminals or Afghan operatives for the assassinations. Indian intermediaries in Dubai managed operations, utilizing informal banking networks to fund the killings.
| Execution Tactics | Details |
|---|---|
| Agents Involved | Local criminals, Afghan operatives |
| Intermediaries | Businessmen in Dubai |
| Payment Method | Unregulated banking networks (hawalas) |
| Training Level of Operatives | Poorly trained contractors |
India’s Global Operations: Sikh Separatists Targeted
Beyond Pakistan, India’s covert operations extended to the assassination of Sikh separatists in Canada and the United States. Figures like Hardeep Singh Nijjar and Gurpatwant Pannun were targeted by RAW, raising questions about the credibility of India’s evidence against them.
| Global Targets | Country | Alleged Connection | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hardeep Singh Nijjar | Canada | Sikh separatist activities | Assassinated 2023 |
| Gurpatwant Pannun | USA | Promoted Sikh separatism | Assassinated 2023 |
RAW vs. Mossad: Comparing Assassination Tactics
Experts compare RAW’s tactics to those of Israel’s Mossad, known for its successful covert operations. However, India’s success in Pakistan did not translate well when similar methods were attempted in Western countries.
| Agency | Targeted Countries | Notable Operations | Tactics Used |
|---|---|---|---|
| RAW | Pakistan, Canada, USA | Assassinations of separatists | Indirect execution via local agents |
| Mossad | Middle East, Dubai | Assassination of Hamas leader in 2010 | High-profile covert operations |
India’s Public Embrace of Covert Operations
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah have openly supported RAW’s actions, framing them as part of India’s strong response to adversaries. This narrative is further promoted through media and Bollywood portrayals of covert operations.
| Indian Leaders | Comments on Assassinations |
|---|---|
| Narendra Modi | Boasted about “entering enemies’ homes and killing them” |
| Amit Shah | Dismissed concerns, stating “The agency will do their jobs” |
Pakistan’s Growing Concerns
As Indian killings increase, Pakistan has publicly criticized India’s actions. Pakistan’s security agencies face pressure over their effectiveness, while some officials believe these killings serve Modi’s political interests at home.
| Pakistani Officials | Concerns Raised |
|---|---|
| ISI Director General Nadeem Anjum | Discussed Indian operations with CIA Director in 2022 |
| Foreign Secretary Muhammad Syrus Sajjad Qazi | Exposed Indian agents involved in killings |
The ISI and RAW’s Silent War
The intelligence agencies of both nations, including Pakistan’s ISI, continue their covert operations. Pakistani officials have raised concerns about RAW’s actions with Western intelligence agencies, adding another layer of tension to the conflict.
Looking Ahead: Geopolitical Implications
India’s rising global stature and aggressive intelligence operations have reshaped the geopolitical landscape. The ongoing covert operations are likely to fuel further instability, with both countries facing internal and external challenges in this enduring conflict.
| Key Geopolitical Impact | Details |
|---|---|
| Global Tensions | Increased instability in South Asia and beyond |
| Internal Political Gains | Modi’s government uses covert actions to boost domestic image |
| Diplomatic Strain | India faces criticism from global powers over extrajudicial killings |
