Indian intelligence agencies have reported that some missionaries in the country are being used by Western interests for intelligence gathering and spreading anti-India narratives. Recent investigations in Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Odisha, and Meghalaya led to the busting of conversion networks involving foreign nationals posing as tourists or business visitors. Authorities found these groups targeted vulnerable communities with offers of free healthcare and education, while also engaging in propaganda and intelligence collection.
A major breakthrough came with the arrest of US national James Watson in Maharashtra, revealing a well-organized network that targeted tribal populations and spread anti-government messages to influence voting patterns. The probe revealed connections between modules operating in multiple states, indicating a broad syndicate. In Punjab, similar activities have been reported, with local opposition to conversion efforts often met with resistance from those supporting these groups.
The agencies are also investigating cases of visa misuse, with around 250 incidents identified in the past five to six years. In one case, a conversion module in Uttar Pradesh led by Chhangur Baba received funding from Dubai, the US, and Canada, and had connections to the banned Popular Front of India. Authorities say that the activities go beyond conversion, raising concerns about attempts to collect intelligence and alter voting behavior in tribal and other regions.
A major breakthrough came with the arrest of US national James Watson in Maharashtra, revealing a well-organized network that targeted tribal populations and spread anti-government messages to influence voting patterns. The probe revealed connections between modules operating in multiple states, indicating a broad syndicate. In Punjab, similar activities have been reported, with local opposition to conversion efforts often met with resistance from those supporting these groups.
The agencies are also investigating cases of visa misuse, with around 250 incidents identified in the past five to six years. In one case, a conversion module in Uttar Pradesh led by Chhangur Baba received funding from Dubai, the US, and Canada, and had connections to the banned Popular Front of India. Authorities say that the activities go beyond conversion, raising concerns about attempts to collect intelligence and alter voting behavior in tribal and other regions.
