Indian, Pakistani Intel on High Alert Amid ISIS Threat

Islamic State, also known as ISIS*, has evolved into a significant global threat since its emergence in the early 2010s.

Its influence has transcended the Middle East, reaching regions of South Asia — particularly India and Pakistan — posing a serious security challenge to the countries.

On 9 August, ISIS terrorist Rizwan Ali was arrested by Indian security forces in New Delhi for his involvement in terror activities. Ali's presence in the Indian capital just days before Independence Day raised alarms among the populace and the security personnel.

Meanwhile, Pakistan has experienced over 245 terrorist attacks, mostly in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) and Balochistan provinces in 2024 alone, with dozens of civilians and soldiers slain.

"ISIL-K* claimed responsibility for the bloody Moscow Crocus City Hall attack and more recently attack on a mosque in Muscat, Oman in July," International Strategic and Military Analyst Major General Khalid Mahmood told Sputnik India. "They are trying to spread terror and religious fundamentalism wherever they can."

A recent UN report said the Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant – Khorasan* (ISIL-K) is attempting to recruit individuals through handlers based in India, even though they have not yet been able to carry out large-scale attacks within the country.

ISIL-K is seen as a major regional threat with its terror activities spreading beyond Afghanistan, increasing the risk to Pakistan, India, Myanmar and Bangladesh.

The Surge in IS* Attacks Across South Asia

In Pakistan, ISIS has exploited the country’s fragile security environment especially in regions like Balochistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, according to the security analyst.

"The group has claimed responsibility for several high-profile attacks, targeting religious minorities, security forces, and political gatherings," Mahmood stated. "The 2021 Quetta and the 2023 Bajaur bombings are stark reminders of IS capability to strike at will, despite the military's extensive counter-terrorism operations."

He added that India, though less affected by ISIS violence compared to Pakistan, has not been immune. The country has seen a steady rise in ISIS-related activities, particularly in states like Kerala, Tamil Nadu, and Jammu and Kashmir.

In the meantime, Pakistan's Permanent Representative to the United Nations Munir Akram recently mentioned in an interview that the country remains seriously concerned about the rise in terrorism and the threats emanating from Afghanistan, posed not only by ISIS-Khorasan but also by the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP)**.

Akram called for a concerted effort not only to combat terrorists, but also to eliminate the underlying conditions that gave rise to them in the first place. He said that the root causes must be addressed to make the region stable and prosperous, and attempts to shift the blame will not help.

In turn, Indian Defenсe Minister Rajnath Singh emphasised in an interview that the country is ready to help Pakistan in curbing terrorism.

Authorities see a growing danger from the branch of the group based in Afghanistan, which is trying to gain strength by taking advantage of local conflicts between the governments of the two countries.

"The 2019 Easter Sunday attacks in Sri Lanka, planned and executed by IS-affiliated militants, highlighted the potential regional threat posed by the group," the retired general noted. "Indian security agencies have since prevented several IS-inspired plots, but the persistent radicalisation of youth remains a significant concern."

Youth Radicalisation

Another concerning aspect is the potential for increased sectarian violence, according to Mahmood. The IS ideology, rooted in extreme sectarianism, seeks to foment discord between different religious and ethnic communities.

"In Pakistan, this is particularly dangerous given the already strained relations between Sunni and Shia communities," Mahmood underlined. "India, with its diverse religious landscape, also faces the risk of communal tensions being exacerbated by IS propaganda."

He added another critical risk was the radicalisation of youth, as ISIS has mastered the use of online platforms to spread its ideology, targeting young, impressionable individuals.

The group’s sophisticated online propaganda appeals to a sense of belonging and purpose, drawing in recruits from across the world.

In both India and Pakistan, where large segments of the youth population suffer unemployment and disillusionment, the allure of the terrorist group's ideology can be particularly attractive.

In Pakistan there is a risk of ISIS collaborating with or co-opting local militant organizations and amplifying its operational capabilities, according to the security analyst, while in India the threat of lone-wolf attacks inspired by ISIS ideology remains a constant challenge for police.

Recognizing the seriousness of the threat posed by IS, both countries have initiated various outreach agendas aimed at preventing youth from falling prey to extremist ideologies.

"These programs focus on countering the narratives propagated by IS and providing alternative avenues for youth engagement," Mahmood stressed. "However, economic stability is the main factor that can help curb extremism as youth with jobs and income are less likely to fall prey to such ideologies."

The analyst highlighted that India has launched several de-radicalisation initiatives in Jammu and Kashmir, where ISIS influence has been particularly concerning. They involve community leaders, teachers and police working together to identify vulnerable individuals and offer them support through education, employment opportunities and counselling, Mahmood explained.

Pakistan has also ramped up its efforts to counter Islamic State's influence. The National Counter Terrorism Authority (NACTA) has been actively involved in de-radicalisation programs, which include media campaigns aimed at promoting a peaceful and moderate interpretation of Islam, as well as vocational trainings designed to empower young people economically.

*ISIS-K, Daesh (IS/ISIS/ISIL) is a terrorist organization banned in Russia and other states

** terrorist organization banned in Russia