How China-Pakistan Economic Corridor Extending To Afghanistan Raises Terror Threats For India | Explained
Terrorist groups like Jaish, Lashkar, and ISIS-K are expected to exploit the new infrastructure, intelligence sources said
Intelligence agencies have raised alarms about serious threats to India from Jaish-e-Mohammed and Islamic State-Khorasan Province (ISIS-K) due to the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), CNN-News18 has learnt.
The inclusion of Afghanistan in China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) and CPEC poses significant security risks to India, sources said on Friday.
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Terrorist groups like Jaish, Lashkar, and ISIS-K are expected to exploit the new infrastructure, they added.
CPEC-linked infrastructure projects, including roads and railways extending into Afghanistan, could be used by JeM and LeT, the sources warned.
Enhanced connectivity may facilitate the smuggling of weapons, funds, and militants into India, particularly in Jammu and Kashmir, they added.
“The Taliban’s control over Afghanistan and their connections with Pakistan-based groups will enable JeM and LeT to operate from Afghan territory under the guise of BRI projects," said a source. “This situation would provide logistical cover and hinder India’s ability to counter these groups. While China’s primary interest in BRI is economic, there is a possibility that Beijing might tolerate JeM and LeT activities at some point."
China-Pakistan-Taliban attitudes
There is a strong likelihood that China may allow these groups to gain strength and launch attacks on India, said the sources.
Pakistan’s influence in Afghanistan via CPEC, they said, could lead to intelligence-sharing gaps, with the Taliban overlooking anti-India militant activities.
The Taliban’s governance in Afghanistan includes Kandhari factions who are sympathetic to jihadi ideologies.
Their involvement in BRI projects may enable militant groups to embed within economic zones, using them for recruitment and planning, said the sources.
“Increased traffic along CPEC routes could allow ISIS-K to launch attacks on Indian interests or regional infrastructure, destabilising India. BRI projects prioritise Chinese labour and technology, which often sidelines local populations," said a source. “This discontent may be exploited by ISIS-K to fuel anti-India rhetoric, recruit militants, and increase regional instability."
Sabotage fears
Just as Baloch groups have attacked CPEC projects in Pakistan, Afghanistan’s BRI projects might also face sabotage, said the sources.
This would destabilise the region, creating opportunities for ISIS-K to infiltrate India, they added.
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