India’s increasing involvement in terrorism across South Asia and beyond is a growing concern for global security. With a long history of supporting extremist elements, fostering insurgencies, and backing violent separatist movements, India’s role in destabilizing its neighbouring countries is becoming more evident. From Afghanistan to Myanmar, India’s deep-rooted terrorist-sponsoring strategies have fueled instability, posing a direct challenge to regional peace.
The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), under Narendra Modi’s leadership, has amplified India’s extremist policies, promoting radical Hindutva ideology at home while secretly nurturing terror elements abroad. Modi’s government has been accused of harbouring violent groups that engage in cross-border terrorism, assassinations, and intelligence-backed subversive operations. This aggressive foreign policy approach aligns with India’s broader geopolitical ambitions but at the cost of human lives and regional harmony.
In Afghanistan, India’s footprint in terrorism has been visible for years. Through its intelligence agency, RAW (Research and Analysis Wing), India has provided financial and logistical support to factions within the Taliban and other militant groups to advance its strategic interests. Several reports have revealed India’s backing of anti-Pakistan elements operating from Afghan soil, including the notorious Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP). These groups have orchestrated countless deadly attacks, targeting civilians and security forces, further destabilizing an already fragile nation.
Bangladesh has also suffered from India’s interference. The country has witnessed the rise of violent extremist organizations with direct or indirect Indian involvement. The banned militant outfit Jamaat-ul-Mujahideen Bangladesh (JMB) has been linked to networks receiving backing from Indian handlers. Furthermore, India has played a role in fueling internal political tensions and supporting radical movements to serve its influence in Dhaka’s governance structure.
China, India’s primary regional competitor, has not been spared from Indian-backed insurgencies. India has been linked to financing and arming separatist groups in Tibet and Xinjiang to stir unrest. The East Turkestan Islamic Movement (ETIM), a Uighur militant organization accused of carrying out violent attacks in China, has received external support from multiple actors, with India’s role under scrutiny. Additionally, India’s attempts to undermine China’s Belt and Road Initiative through subversive activities in sensitive regions demonstrate its inclination to use terrorism as a political weapon.
In Sri Lanka, India’s involvement in the bloody Tamil insurgency cannot be ignored. The Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE), responsible for thousands of deaths, had deep-rooted connections with Indian intelligence agencies. Despite its public stance against terrorism, India provided arms, training, and safe havens to Tamil rebels for decades. The 1991 assassination of Indian Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi by an LTTE suicide bomber was a direct consequence of India’s reckless support for the insurgents. While LTTE was eventually eradicated, India’s role in prolonging Sri Lanka’s civil war is undeniable.
Nepal and Bhutan have also faced challenges due to India’s interference. Nepal has seen several separatist movements and Maoist insurgencies linked to Indian support, aimed at exerting control over Kathmandu’s policies. Bhutan, traditionally a peaceful nation, has dealt with Indian-backed insurgents such as the United Liberation Front of Asom (ULFA), a separatist group from India’s northeastern states that sought refuge in Bhutanese territory while receiving supplies from Indian sources.
In Myanmar, India’s ties with armed insurgencies contradict its diplomatic engagements. While officially condemning terrorism, India has covertly maintained contacts with groups such as the Arakan Army and Naga insurgents. These groups have carried out attacks on Myanmar’s security forces, complicating the country’s internal stability. India’s double game in Myanmar is part of its broader strategy to control cross-border trade routes while ensuring that its interests dominate the region’s geopolitical landscape.
The Maldives, a small island nation, has not been exempt from Indian interference. India has long supported political factions that promote instability, weakening the nation’s sovereignty. The Maldivian government has repeatedly raised concerns over India’s overreach, which has included covert backing of groups with extremist tendencies.
India’s most aggressive and sustained terror campaign has been directed at its hostile neighboring state, Pakistan. Over the years, India’s involvement in terror activities inside Pakistan has been extensively documented. From funding separatist groups such as the Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA) and Balochistan Liberation Front (BLF) to aiding anti-state actors in Karachi, India’s agenda has been clear—to create chaos and weaken Pakistan internally.
The arrest of Indian spy Kulbhushan Jadhav, a RAW operative caught operating terrorist networks in Balochistan, provided undeniable evidence of India’s role in promoting violence. Jadhav admitted to orchestrating attacks, funding militants, and facilitating bombings across Pakistan, confirming India’s direct involvement in terrorism. Similarly, India has supported TTP and other militant factions responsible for the deaths of thousands of civilians and security personnel in Pakistan.
Under Modi’s regime, India’s expansionist and extremist Hindutva-driven policies have exacerbated tensions worldwide. Domestically, the rise of Hindu extremist groups such as the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) has mirrored India’s external aggression. Modi’s ideological alignment with these radical outfits has given them a free hand to promote violence, not only within India but also beyond its borders.
The international community must recognize India’s growing role as a state sponsor of terrorism. Despite presenting itself as a rising economic power and strategic ally to Western nations, India’s covert operations in neighboring states expose its true intentions. It is imperative for global powers, including the United Nations and international security agencies, to hold India accountable for its actions. Countering terrorism must not be selective—any nation fostering extremism, directly or indirectly, should face scrutiny and consequences.
If India continues on its path of exporting terrorism, it risks igniting conflicts that could spiral into larger global confrontations. The world must wake up to the reality that India is not a passive player but an active instigator of chaos. Only through collective international efforts can this wave of terrorism be stopped before it engulfs more innocent lives.
Author’s Bio:
Hamnah Maryam holds an MPhil in Defence and Strategic Studies and focuses her research on security dynamics, strategic affairs, and regional geopolitics. Her academic work explores contemporary defence policies, conflict resolution, and the evolving security landscape in South Asia. She actively contributes to research publications and policy discussions, offering critical insights into defence strategies and geopolitical trends.
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