Malaysia is now a focal point for pro-Khalistan groups, reportedly engaged in propaganda and planning activities within India. The ISI strategically positioned the pro-Khalistan team in Malaysia due to its proximity to India, as operations in countries like Canada and the UK became challenging. Indian agencies are closely monitoring developments in Malaysia, particularly the potential narcotic smuggling route that could be exploited by ISI and Khalistani elements to traffic drugs into India.
Efforts to smuggle drugs into Punjab have faced increased resistance from Indian authorities, with heightened detection rates, including thwarting drone-based smuggling attempts. Intelligence Bureau officials anticipate a more discreet approach from the Malaysia module compared to activities in Canada or the UK, aiming for a sophisticated and covert operation to avoid scrutiny. The module, controlled remotely from Pakistan by Pardeep Singh Khalsa, focuses on fundraising and discreet drug smuggling into India to support the Khalistan cause.
The Malaysia module, managed by Pardeep Singh Khalsa, operates with a smaller footprint, emphasizing remote control from Pakistan to evade detection. The primary objectives include discreet fundraising and narcotics smuggling into India, as traditional funding sources dwindle due to increased drug seizures in Punjab. The ISI aims for a clandestine operation in Punjab, focusing on fundraising amid declining support for the movement due to its terror-related activities.
ISI strategizes to garner support from Malaysia’s significant Sikh population, comprising around 100,000 individuals and 100 Gurdwaras, by gradually influencing them to back the Khalistan movement. While previous attempts to establish a strong base in Malaysia were unsuccessful, the Sikh community remains focused on cultural preservation and has rejected such efforts in the past. Despite concerns, officials believe that India and Malaysia’s strong ties can effectively manage such modules, as demonstrated during Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s 2026 visit to Kuala Lumpur, where both nations condemned cross-border terrorism and committed to enhancing intelligence sharing and combating terror financing.
