By Manahil Jaffer

India, anointed as the South Asian region's net security provider, has taken an assertive stance on the world stage. Yet, this newfound confidence has been tarnished by explosive revelations by Pakistan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs, painting a disturbing picture of India's intelligence agencies which have been found consistently engaged in unlawful activities beyond Indian borders.

The MoFA, document details a series of targeted attempts against innocent Pakistani nationals. Murders have orchestrated by Indian intelligence agencies using local criminal networks. Brain washing of target killers carried out through online platforms and their employment incentivized with lucrative financial sums upon completion of task. The law enforcement agencies of Pakistan have busted the racket. The killers have been apprehended and now undergoing legal formalities in Pakistani courts of law. These claims add fuel to the already simmering fire of Pakistan's accusations against India, alleging a transnational assassination program targeting its political opponents.

Such revelations also highlight Indian intelligence agencies’ focus on individuals and religious institutions, which were linked to the Kashmir conflict, sometime in the past. The assassination of a religious cleric outside a mosque in Sialkot was carried out by a criminal network in Pakistan and facilitated by ethnic Hindu handlers, who were operating from a Gulf country. This verifies the already incendiary claim that India has embarked on a transnational assassination program against its political opponents.

The revelations of MoFA offer compelling evidence, which warrants serious scrutiny and independent verification. The potential for Indian intelligence agencies’ involvement in terror activities on foreign soil, raises serious concerns about the violation of international law and the erosion of regional stability.

A web of whispers and accusations hangs heavy over the volatile border between India and Pakistan. Startling disclosures and international investigations have cast a spotlight on a chilling possibility: a covert Indian assassination campaign, stretching from the disputed valleys of Kashmir to the streets of Western capitals.

At the heart of this intrigue lies India's shadowy intelligence agency. Classified reports, obtained by The Intercept and corroborated by investigations in Canada and Pakistan, paint a disturbing picture. R&AW stands accused of collaborating with criminal networks and dissident groups, unleashing a wave of targeted killings against individuals and religious institutions deemed threats to Indian interests.

The alleged targets are diverse, united only by their connection to India's internal conflicts. Kashmir's armed insurgency finds itself in the crosshairs, alongside Sikh activists advocating for an independent Khalistan. These killings don't stay confined to the Sub Continent. Recent attacks against Sikh leaders on Western soil, have drawn international condemnation and amplified Pakistan's cries for accountability.

The evidence paints a grim picture. A surge in assassinations within Pakistan targeting individuals, wanted by India bolsters the claims. Western criticism, once muted, now echoes the accusations. Canada, UK, US and Australia have already expressed their concerns in a clear-cut tone. Recently, renowned papers like Foreign Policy and Global Times in their articles, have exposed Indian sinister designs and Indian despise for the dissenting voices. Global Times has even provided evidence of Indian involvement in terror incidents in Balochistan. India is running a campaign not only to destabilize Pakistan but to disturb the broader geopolitical landscape.

For Pakistan, this international attention is a glimmer of hope. They see it as an opportunity to expose what they believe is India's blatant disregard for international law and fundamental human rights. The alleged assassinations, they claim, are not just targeted killings but violations of the UN Charter and instruments like the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.

India's alleged campaign of covert assassinations casts a long shadow not only over Pakistan but also over its carefully cultivated relationships with the West. While India has long enjoyed strategic partnerships with the US and Europe, these alleged actions threaten to crack the very foundation of trust and shared values that bind them.

The West prides itself on its commitment to human rights and international law, principles that India claims to uphold. However, the accusations of extrajudicial killings and disregard for territorial sovereignty paint a starkly different picture. By allegedly operating outside the bounds of international law, India risks alienating its most crucial allies, leaving them in the uncomfortable position of either turning a blind eye to its actions or openly criticizing a key strategic partner.

This strain on relations could have far-reaching consequences. The US, already grappling with China's growing assertiveness, needs a stable and reliable ally in India. However, condoning or ignoring alleged human rights violations undermines the very values that underpin its global leadership. Similarly, for Europe, India's economic potential and strategic location hold immense promise. Yet, overlooking accusations of unlawful activities could damage its own reputation as a champion of human rights and the rule of law.

India's alleged hegemonic designs, if proven true, extend far beyond the immediate borders of its neighbors. By jeopardizing its relationships with the West, it risks isolating itself on the global stage, undermining its own aspirations for regional leadership. The choice before India is stark: continue down the path of alleged clandestine operations, risking international isolation and reputational damage, or choose a path of transparency, accountability, and respect for international norms, fostering trust and sustainable partnerships with its allies. The future of India's global standing, and the stability of South Asia, hangs precariously in the balance.

The call for action is clear. An independent international investigation is critical to uncover the truth and hold those responsible accountable. International law and fundamental human rights must be upheld, regardless of political allegiances. And above all, dialogue and diplomacy must prevail over the shadows and bullets that currently cast a dark pall over the region.

*Manahil Jaffer is a graduate in International Relations from National Defense University. Her interest lies in the domain of foreign affairs, terrorism and politics of Pakistan.

*Opinions expressed in this article are the writer's own and do not necessarily reflect the editorial policy of The South Asia Times