New Delhi: The Al-Qaeda in the Indian Subcontinent (AQIS) is reportedly rebuilding its operational capabilities in Afghanistan while simultaneously intensifying efforts to recruit and radicalise young people in India, according to security officials.
Officials said the terror outfit, which suffered significant setbacks following the loss of several senior leaders, has been quietly rebuilding its infrastructure in Afghanistan. According to reports, eight bases have been established over the past three years, with some reportedly functioning as training facilities.
These facilities are believed to provide training in weapons and explosives, while some are also reportedly focusing on areas such as artificial intelligence, drone operations and encryption. Intelligence officials have warned that the developments could pose security challenges not only to India but also to Afghanistan and the wider region.
AQIS and ISKP rivalry raises concern
The rebuilding of AQIS infrastructure comes amid increased activity by its rival, the Islamic State Khorasan Province (ISKP). Security officials believe growing competition between the two extremist groups could further destabilise the region.
According to officials, AQIS’s rebuilding efforts in Afghanistan represent only one aspect of the emerging threat. Its renewed recruitment and radicalisation campaign within India is another major concern.
Security agencies are reportedly keeping a close watch on activities in Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan and Kerala, with Uttar Pradesh emerging as a particular area of concern.
Focus on digital radicalisation
AQIS was formed with a stated focus on the Indian subcontinent and has previously shown interest in the Kashmir issue. Officials say the organisation initially relied heavily on digital platforms to circulate extremist propaganda and promote violence against the Indian state.
The network has now reportedly shifted towards building a broader digital ecosystem aimed at radicalisation, recruitment and dissemination of extremist propaganda and disinformation.
The recent arrest of a 19-year-old alleged AQIS operative in Azamgarh by the Uttar Pradesh Anti-Terrorism Squad has further highlighted these concerns. Mohammad Nabil is accused of circulating content promoting jihad and attempting to establish contact with young people for recruitment, according to the UP ATS.
Officials said he was also allegedly attempting to establish contacts with individuals in Jammu and Kashmir.
Security agencies monitoring terror networks
Counter-terrorism experts say the reported AQIS rebuilding effort comes at a time when India is already dealing with threats from several terrorist organisations, including Jaish-e-Mohammed, Lashkar-e-Taiba, Harkat-ul-Jihadi Islami and Ansarullah Bangla Team.
The Islamic State has also expanded its extremist propaganda and recruitment efforts in parts of India, adding to the security challenge.
Experts believe AQIS’s reported attempts to rebuild itself could create new avenues for cooperation among extremist groups operating across the region. Security agencies are therefore closely monitoring possible links between AQIS and Pakistan-based terror organisations.
Officials have also pointed to historical links between Al-Qaeda and Lashkar-e-Taiba operatives. They cited the involvement of Al-Qaeda’s 313 Brigade leader Ilyas Kashmiri in networks associated with the planning of the 2008 Mumbai terror attacks.
Security agencies are particularly concerned that a stronger AQIS could potentially provide additional support or operational capabilities to other terror groups seeking to carry out attacks in Jammu and Kashmir.
With multiple extremist organisations operating across South Asia, intelligence and counter-terrorism agencies are closely tracking recruitment networks, online propaganda, cross-border links and attempts to establish new operational bases.
Officials stressed that identifying and disrupting these activities at an early stage will remain critical to India’s national security.
