New Delhi, May 9: Indian intelligence agencies have raised fresh concerns over the expanding espionage network allegedly being operated by Pakistan’s Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) across India, warning that the recruitment pattern has changed significantly in recent years.
According to officials, while several arrests have been made following Operation Sindoor, intelligence agencies believe the larger spy network remains deeply embedded and continues to grow quietly across different parts of the country.
Officials said the ISI is no longer relying only on high-profile recruits or individuals working in sensitive establishments. Instead, the agency has increasingly shifted focus towards recruiting ordinary citizens who have no criminal history and largely remain unnoticed in society.
An Intelligence Bureau official said the strategy allows the espionage network to operate below the radar, making detection far more difficult for Indian agencies.
“Earlier, there was greater focus on influencers, social media personalities or persons with access to sensitive information. Now, ordinary individuals with clean backgrounds are being used extensively,” an official said.
Investigators say these recruits are often given limited assignments and minimal training. The handlers reportedly avoid prolonged contact in order to reduce the chances of exposure. The recruits are generally instructed to collect specific information and pass it on through digital channels or intermediaries.
According to officials, such ordinary recruits now make up nearly 80 per cent of the ISI-linked espionage network operating in India.
Security agencies say this shift has emerged as a major concern because these individuals are difficult to identify through conventional surveillance methods.
Another intelligence official said the ISI’s broader strategy appears to be based on building a large and decentralised network capable of surviving even if several operatives are arrested.
“The ISI is aware that some recruits will eventually get caught. Their idea is to ensure the network remains active despite continuous arrests,” the official said.
Officials also noted a temporary slowdown in recruitment among influencers and individuals associated with sensitive establishments, largely due to heightened scrutiny after the arrest of social media influencer Jyoti Malhotra. Following that case, several other individuals allegedly linked to espionage activities were questioned or detained by Indian agencies.
Sources said that after Operation Sindoor, more than 400 suspected ISI-linked operatives have been picked up from different states, with most arrests taking place in northern India.
Investigations into these cases reportedly revealed that many recruits were lured through financial incentives, while some were allegedly honey-trapped or approached through social media platforms.
Intelligence officials believe the aggressive recruitment campaign points towards a larger strategic objective being pursued by the ISI following the embarrassment Pakistan allegedly faced after Operation Sindoor and the Indian military response linked to the Pahalgam attack.
According to officials, the long-term objective may involve gathering detailed intelligence and preparing sleeper networks capable of carrying out disruptive activities in India.
Potential targets identified by agencies include crowded public spaces such as railway stations and religious sites, especially Hindu temples. However, officials say the primary focus of the espionage effort appears to be defence-related installations and military infrastructure.
“The ISI believes any successful strike on defence establishments would create embarrassment for India’s security apparatus,” an official said.
Officials also said Pakistan’s establishment has attempted to shape public perception domestically by circulating what Indian agencies describe as misleading narratives regarding Operation Sindoor. However, intelligence officials claim such narratives have had limited long-term impact within Pakistan itself.
Despite warnings that immediate attacks may not be imminent due to heightened security conditions, intelligence agencies believe the ISI is unlikely to slow down its recruitment efforts.
Officials say the broader objective appears to be the creation of a durable espionage network with operatives spread across major Indian cities, capable of being activated whenever required.
