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The recent allegations of assassination attempts orchestrated by Indian intelligence officers on US and Canadian soil have sparked a heated debate about the state of India's intelligence agencies and the implications for its standing as a global power. The author, Pratap Bhanu Mehta, delves into the complexities of the situation, urging readers to look beyond the immediate diplomatic spat and examine the systemic issues at play within India's intelligence apparatus.
Mehta argues that the international fallout from these accusations is significant, raising serious questions about the competence and judgment of Indian intelligence agencies. He highlights the hypocrisy of the West in its condemnation of India's alleged actions, given its own history of political assassinations. However, he emphasizes that the charges, if true, represent a new level of transgression, crossing a line by targeting citizens of friendly democracies. The author further points out the unsettling irony of India being labeled a “rogue state” for using the same language of “intelligence inputs” without providing justiciable evidence, a tactic often used by Pakistan against India.
The author then shifts his focus to the internal implications of the situation, arguing that the incident should serve as a wake-up call for Indian democracy. He points to the lack of a proper framework of accountability for intelligence agencies, which are created by executive orders and not subject to parliamentary oversight. He contends that regardless of whether the allegations against the agencies are true or not, the need for accountability remains paramount. This need is further underscored by the alleged incompetence of the operation, which raises questions about the professionalism and discipline within India's intelligence agencies.
Mehta draws a stark contrast between the opacity of India's intelligence operations and the relative transparency in Western democracies. He highlights the importance of robust parliamentary frameworks and independent journalism in holding intelligence agencies accountable, even acknowledging that such oversight can sometimes expose sensitive information. He argues that the current case provides an ideal opportunity for India to initiate a public debate on the need for a more transparent and accountable intelligence framework.
The author concludes by urging readers to look beyond the immediate distractions – the West's hypocrisy, the remaining Khalistani separatists in Canada, and Trudeau's motives – and focus on the critical need for introspection and accountability within India itself. He emphasizes that addressing these issues is not only essential for restoring trust in Indian institutions but also vital for safeguarding the country's security and its standing on the global stage.
Source: Pratap Bhanu Mehta writes: Forget West, fossilised Khalistanis, Trudeau’s motives