The Indian nationalist government, both within and outside India, is engaging in activities that contradict the principles of the secular constitution of India, which came into force in 1950. The alleged orchestration of assassinations, religious intolerance, and the use of violence to suppress dissent seem to be inconsistent with India’s original commitment to secularism. This duality is often overlooked as India’s internal matters but of late, it has caught the global attention via strong evidence of actions that include the extra-territorial killings and violations of the sovereignty of other states.
The most recent case in point is Pakistan’s media announcement that Indian agents were involved in the killings of two Pakistani citizens. It has claimed and presented what it deems as “credible evidence” linking Indian involvement in these assassinations. Such acts are a continuous violation of international laws, including the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) and the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR).
India faces criticism for employing mercenaries to carry out assassinations, targeting individuals in foreign countries.
While India aspires to be a prosperous regional and global power by prioritizing its strategic alignments, it is accused of violating territorial sovereignty of other states through covert operations. Despite being the world’s most populous country and boasting as the fifth-largest economy with a Gross Domestic Product (GDP) of approximately $4 trillion, India faces criticism for employing mercenaries to carry out assassinations, targeting individuals in foreign countries, including Sikhs, Kashmiri activists, and others who raise voice against injustices by the Indian government.
The global reach of India’s alleged death squads has become apparent since Canada’s Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, made public the interrogation that found India behind the murder of a Canadian Sikh – Hardeep Singh Nijjar. These spy operations of India portray a dichotomy between its vision of becoming a global power and its actions that do not regard the sovereignty of other states, the international norms, and the basic rights of individuals.
In a swift response to Pakistan’s Foreign Office’s presser, the Indian Ministry of External Affairs came up with less of a diplomatic response and more of an intimidating statement. The spokesperson, Randhir Jaiswal, categorically dismissed the Pakistan’s investigative findings. But this does not erase the truth of sophisticated and sinister Indian campaigns of extra-territorial and extra-judicial killings inside Pakistan, Canada, and the United States.
US’s Department of Justice indicted an Indian as part of its ongoing investigation. Likewise, Pakistan has also disclosed its intelligence investigation linked to the killings of two Pakistani citizens in September and October, 2023. Indian agents have been found involved in planning and executing these killings.
The emergence of a consistent pattern of extra-judicial and extra-territorial killings linked to Indian intelligence has turned into a global concern.
For India to truly establish itself as a credible and responsible international player, it is imperative to halt these reckless and irresponsible actions.
Putting an end to such practices not only aligns with the principles of international law but also reinforces India’s commitment to global peace and cooperation, which is currently very questionable. Embracing a more accountable approach will undoubtedly enhance India’s standing on the world stage and contribute to fostering positive international relations.
