CONTEMPORARY JOURNAL OF SOCIAL SCIENCE REVIEW

Vol.03 No.01 (2025)

INDIAN HYBRID WARFARE TOOLS IN BALUCHISTAN AND ITS

IMPACT ON CPEC: A CRITICAL ANALYSIS

Muhammad Awais Khan

PhD Scholar, Department of Political Science, The Islamia University of Bahwalpur.
Email:aavishkhan123@gmail.com
Dr. Sarfraz Batool
Associate Professor, Department of Political Science, The Islamia University of Bahawalpur.
Email:sarfraz.batool@iub.edu.pk
Abstract
India apparently used hybrid warfare methods in Baluchistan, which might be a big source of
worry for South Asian security and, as a result, a factor undermining CPEC. The purpose of this
study is to demonstrate how India seems to have gained influence in the Baluchistan region, as
well as the methods and repercussions on the CPEC. This study presents an argument for the idea
that there is concrete proof of India's use of covert techniques as part of its hybrid warfare strategy,
based on a detailed examination of current events and specific academic works on the subject. As
a result of the project's viability and security concerns, Pakistan constructed additional security
measures along the CPEC route to effectively manage the situation. The conclusion of the study
paper emphasises the importance of cross-regional and international partnerships, assistance
investment in Baluchistan's development, the implementation of hybrid warfare counter-measures,
increased security measures, and effective diplomatic communication. This article is produced in
a strategic manner to address the complicated concerns regarding India's involvement in
Baluchistan and their impact on the CPEC, ultimately demonstrating the benefit of the South Asian
area via the development and spread of information and, finally, the realisation of peace.
Introduction
India and Pakistan have been at odds for many years, marked by territorial disputes, historical
battles, and geopolitical tensions (Oren, 2016). This rivalry has expanded in recent years as both
nations fight for influence and strategic advantage in South Asia (Ahmad & Begum, 2018). This
research study examines a critical part of the ongoing conflict by focusing on the CPEC and Indian
hybrid warfare strategies deployed in Baluchistan. Hybrid warfare, which mixes irregular warfare,
political subversion, conventional military tactics, and information warfare, has become popular
among governments seeking to achieve their objectives without participating in traditional armed
conflict (Al-Saba, Fatima, & Khattak, 2023). The employment of hybrid warfare methods by India
against Pakistan, focusing on Baluchistan in particular, has drawn condemnation and attention
from across the globe (Allenby, 2017).
Baluchistan, Pakistan's largest province by area, has been unstable for many years due to ethnic
and nationalist movements. Against this backdrop, India's suspected assistance to Baloch terrorist
groups has compounded an already volatile situation (Almäng, 2019). Baluchistan’s strategic
significance is enhanced through the lens of CPEC, a vast infrastructure project connecting China's
western provinces to the Pakistani port of Gwadar. The CPEC, as well as Pakistan's economic
lifeblood, is a vital project in China's Belt and Road Initiative project (BRI), with significant
geopolitical and economic implications (Angstrom & Ljungkvist, 2023).

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Literature Review
Hybrid warfare, defined as combining conventional military techniques with non-military ones,
has grown in popularity in recent years. This has provoked much scholarly debate as well as policy
debate (Aoi, Futamura, & Patalano, 2018). The intricacy of current South Asian geopolitics
necessitates familiarity with the literature regarding India's alleged employment of hybrid warfare
methods in the Baluchistan region and its potential consequences on the CPEC (Fazal & Irfan,
2022).
The concept of hybrid warfare has garnered a lot of attention in the context of recent battles.
Researchers have emphasized the need for comprehensive tactics for identifying and eliminating
hybrid threats (Iqbal & Gul, 2021). It is worth noting that NATO and the US Department of
Defense have explored the complexities of hybrid warfare (Muhammad, 2019). This conceptual
framework provides the theoretical foundation for analyzing India's efforts in Baluchistan.
Baluchistan's history is marked by recurring nationalist and ethnic movements calling for
independence from Pakistan. The historical and sociological context of Baluchistan's upheaval is
addressed in books such as Paul Titus' "Between the Mosque and the Military" (Batyuk, 2017)
"In Afghanistan's Shadow", which give insights into the province's multifaceted dynamics.
Numerous investigations and studies have shown that India has backed insurgency and Baloch
nationalism movements. The Pakistani government and security agencies allegedly accuse India
of providing financial, logistical, and spiritual support to terrorist outfits. Academic studies, such
as (Beccaro, 2021), have extensively researched these assertions, looking at supporting material
and India's intentions. The central focus of this research is the CPEC, whose geopolitical
significance extends beyond economic development. Researchers have investigated the broader
geopolitical implications of CPEC, emphasizing its role in China's Belt and Road Initiative and
the altering dynamics in the region in his book "The China-Pakistan Axis." CPEC's shortcomings
and security challenges, particularly considering the upheaval in Baluchistan were also studied
(Benbow, 2014).
Baluchistan has had a severe influence on relations between Iran and Pakistan. Certain conditions
have traditionally produced misconceptions and confusion, making the province pivotal in
Pakistan-Iran relations. Their military cooperation demonstrates the political aspect of the Indo-
Iranian alliance and the existence of RAW in Pakistan. India has a direct route to Pakistan through
Iran, where it may undertake air operations and foment discord. Baluchistan, Pakistan's largest
province by land area, has a border with Iran. Militant group movements near Pakistan's border
with Iran pose security challenges to the government. Pakistan sees this as an India-backed
decision designed to destabilize the province's law and order situation. The launch of CPEC has
strengthened Baluchistan’s geostrategic position by transforming Gwadar into a commercial hub,
improving the province's infrastructure, and boosting its economy (Fazal & Irfan, 2022). The arrest
of Kulbushan Yadav by Pakistani authorities in March 2016 showed Indian intelligence agencies'
use of Iranian territory against Pakistan. Kulbushan Yadav utilized his Iranian passport to
undertake anti-Pakistan espionage and sabotage activities. In accordance with Indian expectations,
he was seeking to destabilize Baluchistan. The Indian Prime Minister has clearly recognized such
goals. In 2016, on the eve of India's Independence Day, he addressed the nation and criticized the
situation in Baluchistan. The leaders of the Baloch insurgency endorse the Indian government's
view on Baluchistan, citing proof of Indian involvement in the province. The head of ISPR was
told in March 2016 of the arrest of Indian spy Kulbushan Yadav, who disclosed his mission was

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to damage CPEC, with Gwadar port as the key goal. "This is nothing less than state-sponsored
terrorism," he said. There is no stronger evidence of Indian intervention in Pakistan (Fridman,
2017). The Afghan-Iranian relationship and Iranian interference in Baluchistan, since the Soviet
Union's withdrawal from Afghanistan, it has acted as a focal point for the Indo-Iranian nexus and
remains a source of contention between Pakistan and Iran. To gain strategic advantages and
strengthen their influence in Afghanistan, Indians have been financing rival groups. Because of
Afghanistan's facilitation of Indo-Iranian ties, Pakistan's status in the region is under danger. India
and Iran collaborated extensively to tackle the Afghan problem. Because Afghanistan is
landlocked, it must pass via either Iran or Pakistan. Pakistan sees India's presence in Afghanistan
as a possible threat owing to its assessment of India's significant influence there. In 2011, India
and Afghanistan signed a strategic cooperation deal, enabling the two countries to maintain strong
connections in opposition to Pakistan's objectives. India is now engaged in Afghanistan, providing
substantial aid packages, infrastructural upgrades, and capacity building projects (Gasztold &
Gasztold, 2020). To promote its geopolitical agenda and balance China, India today maintains
strong ties with Iran and Afghanistan. India predominantly conducts terrorism in Baluchistan via
consulates in Afghanistan along the Pakistan-Afghanistan border that act as terrorist hotspots.
Grare (2013) expresses that a mainstream of the population encourages Baluchistan’s future within
the federation of Pakistani also designates, at a grass root level, that Pakistan’s harmony is less
simulated than usually thought. The security forces failure to culmination the Baluchistan conflict
by the arm force should recommend to Islamabad that Pakistani diverse culture will have to be
succeeded administratively, not suppressed or crushed by military resources. The choice is
eventually between the equal participation of Baloch peoples in law making processes or obsolete
disintegration. If someone intended to find a peaceful solution, it will have to be dogmatic in
nature. In Baluchistan, the Arm forces of Pakistan desired to eradicate the old-style and native
structures to strengthen the writ of the state. It has indisputably managed to abolish old-style
community structures, but in the procedure, it has naturally deteriorated the Pakistani federation
and promotes the hindrance in creating harmony. In the present scenario, Baluchistan is thus a true
reflection of the destiny of Pakistan (Hartwig, 2020).
The deliberate security dynamics of this age has altered expressively from ancient times. The old-
style war-fighting means have been replaced by the latest ones, creating security situation
multifarious. The modernizations in means of information, transportation, communication, and
armed weapons have delivering states new paths to discover. In connection to this, the growth of
non-state performer has increased the instability of the security atmosphere. Now, the states not
only require defending their boundary from the opponent but also bound to protect its social
political, economic, safety as well. The capability of states to concurrently utilize diverse means
against their adversary has given way to the conception of hybrid war to flourish across the globe
(Iqbal & Gul, 2021).
Different definitions of hybrid war but all descriptions of hybrid war debated by the authors all
over this book are multifaceted and assimilate many different features of war into a single field. In
the situation of the Russian idea of color insurgencies, hybrid warfare converts an administrative
model that can suggest enhanced strategies to attain the wanted goals. In this situation, it is
typically based on prevailing inter-state struggles that can carry out a civil war type of clashes
(terrorism, protests). Like military encounters, uprisings go through a sequence of stages and
having less undermining power. As is regularly the situation, however, remonstrations can go

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parallel with armed force of some type; thus, they are naturally known as hybrid having both armed
and non-armed activities. Military and dogmatic objectives become the identical and the emphasis
turns to undermining the internal security. In this framework hybrid warfare, and insurgency within
it, is not diverse from conservative war, although it is worth emphasizing that the outlays are
diverse (Iqbal & Gul, 2021).
Khawaja and Zahoor (2020) express that Indian mass media has built an image which supplements
the outline of BJP under Modi leadership. They have prepared war utilizing as a dogmatic dividend
tactic to win the elections. Preceding practices and the existing situation predominant in India as
well as Indian media’s role in reciting a discriminatory literature against Pakistan and against the
Muslim community have exposed the real Indian approach through their strategy makers and main
leadership. Their emphasis needs to be moved from constructing walls to breaking obstacles and
to cover the gap created by identity base politics to attain viable peace. Global community requires
developing mutual code of conduct for broadcasting to encourage peace journalism. They required
regulating the hate speech in contradiction of any group on ethnic or spiritual grounds. This will
support in building a comprehensive global community where disgust for others is not the base
ground of patriotism. The conduct of the Indian mass media as conflict creator is alarming for the
harmony between the two nuclear countries of the globe. In such unstable nuclear situation,
preferably the Indian mass media should moderate the tensions and perform as peace envoy instead
of becoming war agitating state (Khawaja & Zahoor, 2020).
Jaspal (2019) expresses that Indian and its compatible nations have grown capable at utilizing
hybrid war strategies to destabilize federation of Pakistan as well as targeting its national security.
They have been utilizing propaganda, terrorism, fake news as well as gossips through mass media
by engaging cyber machinery and manipulating common fault lines. While dividing the society
and generating a rift among the institutions of the state through hybrid warfare tactics, India has
now been creating such a situation as well as tension at boundaries and constantly violating
worldwide boarder laws by firing at the border lines of Pakistan and engaged Pakistan military
forces in such activities. Thus, the Pakistani administrative as well as ruling elite require reshaping
its nationwide security policy to improve and advertise it socio-religious policy to restrict both
society and any state from creating hybrid war application. Thus, the condition warrants the
revision of inclusive policy connecting the whole nation to meet hybrid warfare violence (Jaspal,
2019).
Mirza and Babar (2020) express that the competences are dependent on the fault lines and
exposures of the adversaries. The weak segments of Pakistan are very much prominent for Indian
hybrid attacks. Beside from the conventional war and warfare strategies, India has been utilizing
non-conventional approaches against Pakistan. Pakistan is a state having lot of security issues as
well as security fault lines which India being an adversary is aware of. Verdicts following the
strategic collaboration are interdependent. So, this strategic collaboration exposed to India that
Pakistan is more anxious about its security and to deteriorate this, the basics of the security
infrastructure require to be attacked. This infrastructure has numerous variables counting
economic development and progress. Pathetic economy of Pakistan is a serious vulnerability which
can be interpreted into the competency of Indian warfare strategies. Strategic collaboration is not
free of the opportunities and conducts of the adversary. So, India is engaged in Hybrid conflict
against Pakistan and this belief is not in denial. A number of examples and confirmations are
available which evidently show that India is participated in the manipulation of different segments

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where it discovers the vacuum, and this was proved by Kulbushan Yadav‟s case against Pakistan
(Mirza & Babar, 2020).
Iqbal (2018) explains that the aim of Pakistani adversaries is to deteriorate the nation’s economy
so that it is incapable to allocate resources for its security need. A continuous pressure is
established so that the Pakistan remains to be under stress to borrow from IMF. Hence the global
trade as well as IMF debut is consumed as a hybrid weapon against the Federation of Pakistan.
India being a major adversary never ever misses any chance to deteriorate the international image
of Pakistan. The recent BJP government in Indian continuously in a struggle to utilizing the fault
lines as well as flaws of Pakistan to further destabilize the federation and for that purpose
Baluchistan is an easy target for Indian due its several internal issues of the province (Iqbal, 2018).
Akhtar and Akram (2021) explain that the fruitful application of hybrid warfare is resulted by the
manipulation of prevailing fault lines tendencies in the interior infrastructure of the state. These
fault lines occur in diversity of shapes that make the background of the social order of any state.
These are ethnic polarization, religious, political disparities and socio-economic among identity
based social groups as well as minorities. Hybrid warfare in the first stage takes place by
manipulating the secessionist and separatist groups through indirect tactics. The flaws in the form
of weaknesses is easy to target and can disrupt national solidity within the whole territory of that
nation. The instant threat to Pakistan’s inner security is confronted by its prevailing fault lines.
Therefore, these fault lines must be recognized and determined through nationwide security
strategies. India is only anxious with maintaining regional supremacy by accumulating power
posture through groupings with the super developed nations around the globe and creates
unevenness in the Asian region. Indian multi-dimensional strategy of initiation hybrid war on
Pakistan has intentionally designed into isolating the federation of Pakistan and destabilizing in
diverse fields. Utilization of indirect tactics, using water as an armament, assisting uprisings in
Pakistan, distressing CPEC, propaganda as well as media warfare; these Indian made tactics are
being pragmatic against Pakistan (Akhtar & Akram, 2021).
Haider et. al, (2020) expose that the subtleties of Hybrid warfare in the federation of Pakistan are
exclusive in contrast to other victims of hybrid intimidations. Pakistan has been wide-open to all
major tools of hybrid warfare over the last two (02) decades. Pakistan faces a lot of challenges
from internal as well as external sides. The societal flaws of the state are abused by our domestic
as well as external opponents to create difficulties for Pakistan at numerous fronts. Various tools
of Hybrid warfare are engaged in harmonization to attain multiple aims ranging from
administrative disturbance to structuring anti-Pakistan narratives at global fronts. A varied range
of performers including Non-State actors, states along with state-sponsored well assembled groups
engaged Hybrid Warfare approaches against Pakistan over past two (02) decades. The awareness
of this feature came only through the last couple of years. Pakistan requires adopting instant
measures to recognize the tactics of Hybrid war as Pakistan is the only state which is fronting the
full range of Hybrid war. The enhanced understanding of these subtleties of Hybrid warfare will
play a vital role in evolving strategies to counter prevailing and future challenges being confronted
by Pakistan to attain the objective of maintainable peace (Oren, 2016).
Hybrid warfare, similar to traditional combat, seeks to establish superiority over the opponent.
Employing a combination of hybrid warfare tactics such as conventional armed forces, economic
manipulation, diplomatic pressure, proxy utilization, inciting local rebellions, information warfare,
and cyberattacks can cause significant disruptions to a targeted state, whether domestically or

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internationally, if used strategically and in the right mix. Engaging in warfare offers an advantage
to the initiator by allowing them to include all citizens and resources of the opposing side, rather
than adhering to UN Laws and Geneva Conventions that safeguard human rights and ban attacks
on non-combatants. The main purpose of using proxy troops is to weaken a certain country, which
involves recruiting, funding, and backing terrorist organizations in their operations. The local
dissatisfaction is amplified and highlighted, causing economic instability and negative reputation
both domestically and internationally, all aimed at depicting the target state as a hazardous and
unproductive place for investment (Ahmad & Begum, 2018).
Hybrid warfare's information domain employs electronic and social media platforms to influence
public opinion by spreading false propaganda and fake news, in order to damage a government's
image and provoke citizen discontent. Statecraft is skillfully used in diplomacy as a kind of warfare
to deliberately isolate and discredit a certain state among other countries. The initiator exploits the
vulnerabilities of the target state to create an unfavorable situation that allows for the
implementation of punitive actions against the target state. Offensive diplomatic skills include
proficiency in national and international politics, statecraft, and diplomacy. The goal of economic
sanctions, lawfare, and other deliberate irritations is to greatly weaken the economic might of a
targeted country. (Al-Saba, Fatima, & Khattak, 2023)
Indian intelligence operatives are deployed. The world is becoming informed of India's
involvement in Baluchistan due to significant efforts made by the foreign office, Inter Service
Public Relations (ISPR), and Pakistani media. The RAW-NDS Nexus and Its Impact on
Baluchistan Afghanistan's relationships with India and Pakistan have been characterized by
fluctuations; maintaining good ties with one country typically leads to strained relations with the
other. India has cultivated strong ties with Afghanistan and gained influence in the region after the
events of 9/11. Kabul's Indo-Pak policy has evolved to be more pro-Indian. India is using its
triumph in Afghanistan to its advantage against Pakistan. India strategically utilizes Afghanistan
to undermine Pakistan as outlined by Lodhi (2016). The relationship between Pakistan and
Afghanistan has shifted from stable to very contentious. Afghanistan served as a sanctuary for
terrorist and rebel groups targeting Pakistan, namely the Baluchistan region. The insurgency and
bloodshed in Baloch areas are connected to the Afghan intelligence agency (NDS), with support
from the Indian intelligence organization (RAW). The NDS-RAW nexus carries out clandestine
activities in Baluchistan, leading to fatalities including as terrorist acts, bombings, and attacks on
security personnel (Anees, 2017).
Research indicates that unidentified groups organize rallies and social media campaigns against
Pakistan annually during UN Human Rights Council sessions (Machado, Alaphilippe, &
Adamczyk, 2020). Challenges posed by Hybrid Warfare and the China-Pakistan Economic
Corridor (CPEC) China initiated the multibillion-dollar China Pakistan Economic Corridor
(CPEC) project. The megaprojects include of special economic zones, energy projects, and
advanced transportation networks. The purpose of CPEC is to boost the province's economic
activities, leading to stability and prosperity. The locals are hopeful because of the China-Pakistan
Economic Corridor (CPEC). The Gwadar port, Special Economic Zones, and transportation
network will facilitate the growth and development of the province's economy. The extensive
initiative has been the target of disinformation efforts and frauds in India, the United States, and
Western nations since it began. A disinformation campaign is being initiated to sabotage and
hinder development initiatives (Hassan, 2019). Pakistan's economy is anticipated to gain

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advantages from the significant Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) project, the China-Pakistan
Economic Corridor (CPEC). India is trying to sabotage the vast project by disseminating
misinformation and launching terrorist attacks against it. India's hostile objectives against Pakistan
are evident, whether it chooses to take covert or overt action. It is also displeased with China's
substantial investment in CPEC. India has tried to sabotage the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor
(CPEC) by supporting a terrorist group it finances (Kamran, 2018). The BLA claimed
responsibility for the hotel attack at the Gwadar Pearl Continental to sabotage the major project.
An Indian intelligence organization was responsible for the attack on the Chinese Consulate in
Karachi. The group was also accountable for the abduction and murder of Chinese engineers in
Baluchistan. Brigadier (R) Abdul Basit Rana said that India's large-scale 5GW effort aims to
obstruct Pakistan's progress, particularly targeting the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor in
Baluchistan. Both governmental and non-governmental organizations have attacked Baluchistan
(Rana, 2021). (An Indian misinformation effort targeting Baluchistan and the China-Pakistan
Economic Corridor (CPEC) has started on social media. India persists in supporting radical
terrorist organizations based in Afghanistan that are hostile to the Pakistani government. Pakistan
is countering this by maintaining transparency and collecting reliable information. India provides
financial support to terrorists for carrying out assaults in Baluchistan. RAW and the Indian military
have established bases in Pakistan's surrounding nations and are conducting operations against
Pakistan (Hanif, 2018). Kulbushan Yadav's detention is a clear example of Indian interference in
Baluchistan. He said in a video confession that India was supporting and orchestrating terrorism
in Baluchistan to interfere with the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC).
India's actions in Baluchistan have significant regional and global implications due to the
significance of CPEC. A study by Moeed Yusuf and Ammar Rashid, published by the United
States Institute of Peace (USIP) in 2017, found that the competition between India and Pakistan
impacts regional security, especially concerning the Afghan peace process.
Objectives:
• To critically examine the Indian Hybrid Warfare activities used in the region of
Baluchistan.
• To anlyze the ramifications of India's actions on the region of Baluchistan.
• To explore the ramifications associated with the CPEC.
Research Questions
• What are thehybrid warfareactivities India is doing in Baluchistan?
• What are the ramifications of India's actions on the region of Baluchistan?
• What are the ramifications associated with the CPEC?
Methodology
The study is based on the desk research method under qualitative approach. The data is gathered
through secondary sources like books, published articles, newspapers, websites, and reports.
Indian Hybrid Warfare Activities against Pakistan
Pakistan has been witnessed a variety of hybrid war activities waged by India since its creation.
According to the Islamabad Policy Research Institute (IPRI), India has arrayed hybrid warfare
against Pakistan in four different dimensions. In the first place, it launched an onslaught against
the military. Secondly, it abetted social insecurity through disinformation and lack of trust in state
institutions; third, its propaganda against Kashmir and the terror attacks at CPEC and related
development projects are ranked last.

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It is evident from history that during the East Pakistan disaster, India's use of hybrid warfare
methods against Pakistan was visible in how they propagated Mujib's Six Points, the myth of the
massacre, and the misery of refugees. Even after the separation of East Pakistan, Indian’s
involvement continued that deteriorated the image of Pakistan. During a speech in Kerala against
Pakistan, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi said, “We will isolate you, and I will work for it”
(MK, 2022).
Since 9/11, Pakistan has a wide array of multi-dimensional threats of being internationally isolated.
It is mainly due to the over-exaggearation and allegations of India that Pakistan is an ‘irresponsible
state’ and ‘sponsor of state terrorism’. That narration was strongly opposed by Pakistan and
Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA) issued a press release that stated “Pakistan rejects baseless
propaganda and irresponsible remarks by the Indian leadership” (MoFA, n.d.). Despite the
rejection of all the allegations from Pakistan, as the time passes by India’s hybrid warfare activities
continued in Pakistan.
Ajit Doval, India's national security advisor, has also acknowledged to participating in subversive
activities and diplomatically isolating Pakistan. The Indian email contacts that led to the FATF
lobbying and the postponement of the New Zealand cricket match illustrate India's hybrid warfare
methods against Pakistan.
“The Indian civil and military leadership has changed tack and started to talk about the launching
of surgical strikes across Line of Control (LoC)” (Yamin, 2019). They continued to spread
propaganda against Pakistan for being involved in terrorist activities in India through traditional
means like print and electronic media and later through non-traditional means like propaganda
through social media while maintaining their defensive stance. Indian Army Chief Bipin
Rawat(late) claimed in 2016 that the Indian army carried out surgical strikes in response against
Kashmiri freedom fighters backed by Pakistan in Uri and Pathankot (Yamin, 2019). A film titled
‘Uri: The Surgical Strike’ released by India in 2019 mainly propagate the capability of Indian army
for strong strikes and it also depict the Pakistani army in a poor light. Such tactics are continuously
being used to weaken the image of Pakistani army and leadership. As a matter of fact, spreading
disinformation rapidly is a matter of seconds in contemporary times through various social media
tools. India is also using this tactic to destabilize the Pakistan
Manohar Parrikar, the Indian BJP's Defence minister, said unequivocally in May 2015 that "India
will sponsor terrorism to counter-terrorism" (Nisar, 2019). In response to terrorist attacks on the
Karachi Stock Exchange, the Lahore Johar Town bombing, the arrest in Kalbushan, and numerous
other occurrences are on record. In 2020, Pakistan’s ex-foreign minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi
announced to have a dossier on India’s sponsorship of state terrorism. He claimed that the dodssier
contains irrefutable evidences about Indian involvement in Balochistan and also called India the
biggest democracy is becoming a rogue state through its activities (Siddiqui, 2020). In July 2021,
Ex-President of Pakistan Arif Alvi claimed that the use of Afghan soil by India against Pakistan
for hybrid warfare. In the same spirit, a slew of other consistent events, such as India's support for
the TTP and PTM, as well as its funding of subversive activities in Baluchistan and Gilgit-
Baltistan, give enough evidence of India's continued attempts to undermine Pakistan's internal
structure (Nisar, 2019).
Indian Hybrid Warfare Activities in Baluchistan
Balochistan’s geo-strategic location makes it one of the most important locations in the world. Due
to the geostrategic and geoeconomic importance, the world powers have always meddled in the

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province of Baluchistan. However, Indian involvement in this province had led to insurgencies
followed by suicide attacks, bomb blasts, and attacks on security forces. At present, Balochistan
is being subjected to hybrid warfare activities massively to destabilize the province. India is also
sponsoring insurgencies, abetting terrorism, sabotaging development projects, and publishing
misleading and fake media reports to influence the minds of local communities and incite them
against their state and its institutions. ‘Global Times’ has published its investigation report on the
involvement and support to terrorism by India in Baluchistan.
India backed Militancy in Baluchistan
Balochistan's militancy has different dynamics, with tribal and sub-nationalist connotations. India
is mainly responsible for instability in the province due to its resource potential and geo-strategic
significance along future trade routes. Subramaniyam (former Director of Indian Defence Studies)
said in a symposium in 1971, that “what India must realize that the breakup of Pakistan is in our
interest and an opportunity which will never come again” (Lanlan & Fandi, 2024). Therefore, India
keeps continuing its efforts to destabilize Pakistan. It was mainly witnessed in Baluchistan from
India’s support for the Baloch Liberation Army (BLA). Some European states pretended that the
BLA and other militant groups from Balochistan are ‘political opposition groups’, but in reality,
the country that is more engaged in these warlike activities is India.
The establishment of BLA was apparently aimed to gain rights for the Baloch community in
Baluchistan. But in reality, it is revealed later that the commanders of BLA have Indian support
and they sought medical treatments in India’s hosptals under disguise or fake identitites. In 2006,
Pakistan designated BLA as a terrorist organization (Lanlan & Fandi, 2024).
In 2016, Pakistan’s Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) claimed to arrest an Indian spy named
‘Kulbhushan Yadev’ who had been working since 2013 to destabilize Pakistan. In his confessional
video, he confessed to meeting with the Baloch insurgents to carry out warlike activities with their
collaboration in Baluchistan. Commander Sarfraz Ahmed Bungulzai also claimed that India is
supporting insurgent activities in Baluchistan. He claimed in a press conference that he thought
his armed struggle was for the rights of Baloch, but later it was realized that "India was involved
in all these conspiracies". He also claimed that a helicopter crash in 2022, in which a general and
5 other army officials of Pakistan were martyred, occurred, and Baloch Raj Aajoi Sangar (BRAS)
had taken responsibility for that incident. This secessionist group took responsibility at the
command of India. Further, he said that these commanders accept money from India, and “after
taking money, they shed blood of their own Baloch”.
Double Standards of India regarding Terrorism
India is a state that has multiple ethnic issues within its territories, but its views about terrorism by
India and by Pakistan are really different. Ye Hailin (Deputy Director of the National Institute of
International Strategy of the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences) claimed that India employs
double standards towards terrorism: “If you look at India’s media and think tank reports, you will
find that their descriptions of the terrorist attacks in Balochistan are completely different from
those of the situations in Kashmir” (Lanlan & Fandi, 2024).
Terror Attacks on China-aid Projects and CPEC
Pakistan and China has been in deep friendship for years and China has aided many development
projects in Pakistan that became a major contributor to the Pakistani economy, like CPEC.
Therefore, CPEC has immense importance for Pakistan. Gwadar port in Baluchistan helps to
promote industrialization and facilitating infrastructure development in Pakistan. Therefore, these

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projects became a target of some terrorist forces in Pakistan. Moiz Farooq (executive director of
Pakistan-based Daily Ittehad Medis Group) told global times that Pakistan’s rivals are supporting
terroist activities in Pakistan who has intentions to sabotage the friendship between these Pakistan
an China. Targetting or hurting Chinese nationals in Pakistanis also another attempt in this regard.
The suicide bombing outside the University of Karachi’s Confucious Institute in 2022 killed 3
Chinese and a local driver. BLA took responsibility of that incident. Similarly terrorist attacks on
Chinese engineers working in development projects also has same objective. Liu Zongyi (Director
of the Center for South Asia Studies at Shanghai Institute for International Studies) said India was
backing separatism, and terrorist activities in Pakistan to destabilize and split Pakistan while now
it is backing hybrid warfare activities to obstruct and undermine the construction of the CPEC
(MK, 2022).
Results and Analysis
The incidents and events mentioned above prove that India employs various covert tactics in
Baluchistan, aligning with hybrid warfare. The techniques include providing financial assistance
to insurgent groups, implementation of psychological operations, engagement in diplomatic
initiatives to garner support from other nations for Baloch separatism, and training Baloch
militants. The hybrid approach used by India aligns with its strategic objectives of weakening the
CPEC and challenging Pakistan's regional influence (Maschmeyer, Abrahams, Pomerantsev, &
Yermolenko, 2023). The escalating violence and instability in the region of Baluchistan have
resulted in a dire humanitarian situation for the local population. Moreover, the province's
socioeconomic development has been impeded by the disruption of essential services like
healthcare and education. The report asserts that India's policies, although aligned with its
geopolitical aims, have had detrimental effects on the well-being of the Baloch people,
exacerbating their hardships (Shabbir, 2022).
The research results demonstrate the susceptibility of the CPEC to security vulnerabilities
originating from the region of Baluchistan. The progress of the corridor has been impeded due to
the occurrence of assaults targeting projects, infrastructure, and personnel associated with the
CPEC, hence giving rise to apprehensions over the sustainability of the corridor in the long run.
Pakistan has been compelled to enhance security measures along the CPEC route, resulting in the
reallocation of financial resources away from the project's intended focus on fostering economic
development (Ramazani, 2018).
The alleged engagement of India in the region of Baluchistan. The results indicate substantial
evidence supporting the claim that India has aided insurgent groups and Baloch nationalism
movements in Baluchistan (Iqbal & Gul, 2021). The primary elements of this engagement are
financial support, covert instruction, and diplomatic backing provided to Baloch leaders. Recent
events indicate a discernible pattern of Indian support towards these groups, with the explicit
objective of causing destabilization in the region. (Magen, 2011)
Based on a comprehensive examination of recent events and insights gathered from expert
interviews, it can be inferred that India's actions have contributed to the escalation of unrest and
instability in Baluchistan (Libiseller & Milevski, 2021). The escalation of Baloch nationalism
activities, aided by external support, has increased confrontations between insurgent factions and
Pakistani security forces (Nadeem, Mustafa, International, & 2021, 2021). The region has seen a
decline in economic development and overall security. The research findings indicate that India's
alleged use of hybrid warfare tactics in Baluchistan has adversely affected the CPEC (Biddle,

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2018). The project's susceptibility to Baloch insurgent actions is shown via recent incidents, such
as attacks against staff and infrastructure associated with the CPEC. The circumstances have raised
inquiries over the long-term viability and stability of the CPEC.
Findings
The investigation into India's suspected presence in the sub-Salween river reveals how a hybrid
warfare approach was deployed in a varied manner. These clandestine methods encompass a
variety of playing patterns, the most important of which is to harm Pakistan's area of influence in
the region by causing disturbances in Baluchistan province. India's moves include not only
financial involvement with rebel organisations, but also psychological efforts, participation in
peace initiatives to achieve independence, and technical training for terrorists in this region.
Similarly, if we disregard the long-term plan, the objective realised here is to unavoidably impede
the sustenance and growth of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor. The Baluchistan Province's
violence and political instability are directly related to the actions under investigation. Upgraded
Baloch nationalist activities, purportedly sponsored by foreign adversaries, have been more
contested, and security actions against the relevant persons have begun in due order. The irony of
the situation is that the conflicts that have occurred in this area have only served to exacerbate the
area's instability and insecurity, which has become a way of life in this conflict-ridden area,
resulting in the breakdown of economies and the provision of basic services such as health care
and education. As a consequence, the Baloch minority in that region has been the most severely
impacted by the subsequent interruptions, resulting in a catastrophic humanitarian disaster. On top
of the security concerns that the CPEC confronts, India's intervention in Baluchistan's affairs has
significant ramifications. However, ongoing assaults (mostly) on CPEC personnel and equipment
in Baluchistan render the corridor's future insecure (value). CPEC security has proven to be an
extremely expensive enterprise for Pakistan. This is because travelling the whole CPEC route has
historically been very perilous, with frequent security incidents. Someone is concerned about this
alternative use of resources rather than the corridor's planned development of economic objectives,
which simplifies the issue of the project's success and long-term economic impact. The next section
will discuss several gadgets that India can use.
Proxy Support: Multiple separatist organisations who are directly connected with India and were
purportedly provided funds, equipment, and training to undermine Pakistan's territorial integrity
in Balush have made headlines.
Information warfare: Indian organisations are most likely to use social media manipulation,
distribution, and propaganda to persuade the world that Pakistan is irrational and that it exploits
Baluchistan for its own profit.
Diplomatic Pressure: India, on the other hand, has the ability to interfere in CPEC by utilising its
platforms and diplomatic ties to promote the message of human rights violations in Baluchistan
and elicit sympathy for a Baluch cause via media broadcasts.

Conclusion
To summarise, India's suspected use of novel hybrid warfare methods in Baluchistan is
transforming a portion of South Asia's geopolitical terrain, as are the projected ramifications of
this phenomena for the CPEC. These studies have provided valuable insights into the complex
physics behind this unexpected discovery. In a summary, India's purported use of hybrid conflicts
in Baluchistan is a crucial aspect threatening the security and completion of the CPEC. The

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continuation of operations in Baluchistan has had an impact not just on security circumstances, but
also on the region's economic and political landscape. The Baluchistan problem must be handled
in order to build CPEC and restore regional stability; this should be a diplomatic step that addresses
the fundamental cause of the conflict.
The main conclusions of this research are as follows:The main conclusions of this research are as
follows:
• India deploys a wide range of hybrid warfare strategies, including a massive array of plans known
as plan. The exercise has uncovered various covert activities conducted by India. Ramming with
money, creating trust, increasing diplomatic pressure, and training Balochistan terrorists are some
examples.
• As a result, the use of hybrid warfare tactics by other regional players has a delayed effect on
Pakistan's supremacy in the region. The rapid escalation of violence and political upheaval in the
province is undoubtedly a direct result of India's operations in Baluchistan.
• Baloch nationalists have increased their activities, causing a significant impact on the local
economy. It also produced perhaps the most difficult scenario for Pakistani security forces. The
CPEC region in Baluchistan has experienced not just physical assaults on its human resources and
equipment, but also regular security issues, delaying the project's completion date. During the
challenging times ahead, Pakistan boosted the number of guards along the corridor to guarantee
its long-term resilience and security.
Recommendations
• Increase the study's budget in order to improve socio-communities by providing decent
infrastructure, well-developed healthcare services, and enough education.
• It is critical to address the core causes of instability by encouraging work opportunities and
activities that provide individuals with skills via employment.
Hybrid warfare varies significantly from other kinds of conventional fighting. The Detect, Deter,
and Respond (DDR) strategy may be beneficial in dealing with hybrid conflict threats. Its goal is
to establish new intelligence-sharing partnerships with other nations that will offer enough
information to cope with. Effective institutional cooperation will be critical and essential in this
circumstance.
• Developing specialised tools targeted at reducing the effect of hybrid warfare methods is one
potential solution to the problem of warfare techniques observed in hybrid conflicts. Indeed, the
instrumentalities might include a variety of tactics, such as an effective information transmission
system and specialised monitoring of economic activities. The goal of the effort is to enlighten a
large number of people about the problems of hybrid competition. Such an audience will include
members of society, security agencies, and public authorities. When we talk regional methods, the
first thing that comes to mind is the kind of mutual labour and team play that takes place in spheres
made up of diverse geographical locations or regions. It includes diverse responsibilities,
contributions, competences, and the capacity to speak of collective unity in the face of common
issues, resolutions, and choices. • Allow countries to interact peacefully by addressing difficulties
connected to the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC); and • Promote commerce, economic
integration, and peace among South Asian nations via knowledge exchange and capacity
development. To enhance the Indo-Pak discussion, try seeking assistance from international
organisations or mediation process representatives.

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