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Context:

• Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC) reported that “Indian spies” had been “sent out of Australia after being caught trying to steal secrets about sensitive defence projects and airport security, as well as classified information on Australia’s trade relationships”.

Allegations and Incidents against Indian spies:

• Australian media reported Indian spies were expelled for attempting to steal defense and security secrets.
• The Washington Post claimed an Indian intelligence official orchestrated the failed assassination of a Khalistani separatist Hardeep Singh Nijjar, in June 2023.
• The Guardian alleged India ordered the killings of individuals in Pakistan involved in terrorism.
• Canadian media suggested India's involvement in the killing of another Khalistani separatist.

Strategic drawback for India:

• All countries involved in accusing India are part of the Five Eyes intelligence-sharing network.
• This shows that despite strategic ties, there's apparent pushback against India's covert operations by Five Eyes partners.
• This suggests a coordinated effort to expose Indian operations abroad, surprising Indian strategic circles.
• Despite strategic ties, Five Eyes countries might not appreciate India conducting covert operations on their soil.
• India-US relations, while strong, prioritize US interests, posing challenges for Indian intelligence objectives.

Major challenges faced by Indian spies:

• Cross-border Operations: Indian spies often face challenges in conducting operations across international borders due to heightened security measures and surveillance by neighboring countries. For instance, conducting espionage activities in Pakistan or China requires navigating through heavily guarded borders and evading detection by their intelligence agencies.
• Language and Cultural Barriers: India is a diverse country with numerous languages and cultures. Spies may encounter difficulties in blending into foreign environments due to language barriers and cultural differences.
• Counterintelligence Measures: Hostile intelligence agencies employ sophisticated counterintelligence measures to identify and neutralize foreign spies operating within their territory. Indian operatives face the risk of being exposed through surveillance, counter-surveillance, and infiltration of their networks. For instance, Pakistan's Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) and China's Ministry of State Security (MSS) are known for their robust counterintelligence capabilities.
• Technological Challenges: Advancements in technology present both opportunities and challenges for Indian spies. While modern surveillance tools and communication devices enhance their capabilities, they also increase the risk of detection through electronic monitoring and cyber espionage.
• Political Sensitivities and Diplomatic Fallout: Espionage activities can strain diplomatic relations between countries if exposed. Indian spies must operate within the boundaries of international law and navigate complex geopolitical dynamics to avoid diplomatic fallout.

Conclusion:

• ALthough the Indian government has denied all allegations, concern arises on the India’s trustworthiness of the strategic alliance with countries form five eye alliance.

Five eyes alliance:

https://www.iasgyan.in/daily-current-affairs/five-eyes

Source:

https://indianexpress.com/article/explained/explained-global/in-the-world-of-spycraft-why-national-interest-trumps-all-9304549/

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