These three
developments from September 2026 may appear unrelated at first glance, but
together they reveal important trends affecting India’s national security.
Pakistan’s continued double game on terrorism, India’s persistent
counterterrorism efforts, and the limited easing of tensions along the
India-China border must be viewed as interconnected elements of the evolving
strategic landscape.
1. Declaring Masood Azhar “Most Wanted”: A Pakistani Attempt to
Influence FATF?
Pakistan’s
Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) has included Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) chief
Masood Azhar in its list of “Most Wanted Terrorists” and increased the reward
on his head from PKR 5 million to PKR 7 million.
The key
question, however, is whether this represents a genuine counterterrorism
measure or merely an attempt to escape international scrutiny.
Pakistan’s Familiar Strategy
Following
the 1999 IC-814 hijacking, India was forced to release Masood Azhar. He
subsequently founded Jaish-e-Mohammed and emerged as the mastermind behind
several major terrorist attacks against India, including the 2001 Parliament
attack, the 2016 Pathankot attack, and the 2019 Pulwama suicide bombing.
After the
Pulwama attack, Pakistan repeatedly claimed that Azhar was “missing,”
“seriously ill,” or had “escaped to Afghanistan.” Yet intelligence agencies
across the world have long assessed that he continues to enjoy protection
within Pakistan.
The FATF Factor
The timing
of this move is significant. The Financial Action Task Force (FATF) plenary is
scheduled for October 2026. Pakistan previously remained on the FATF Grey List
from 2018 to 2022, a period that negatively affected investor confidence,
foreign investment, and economic stability.
Against
this backdrop, placing Masood Azhar on a wanted list appears less like a
genuine effort to dismantle terrorism and more like a carefully crafted
public-relations exercise aimed at FATF, international financial institutions,
and Western governments.
The Real Test
India
should judge Pakistan not by announcements but by measurable actions:
- Has Masood Azhar been arrested?
- Has he been prosecuted?
- Have Jaish-e-Mohammed’s infrastructure
and training facilities been dismantled?
- Have its financial networks been
destroyed?
Unless
these questions are answered affirmatively, Pakistan’s latest move is likely to
be viewed as a cosmetic exercise rather than a substantive counterterrorism
effort.
2. NIA’s Action Against Hafiz Saeed: Sustained Legal and Diplomatic
Pressure
India’s
National Investigation Agency (NIA) has secured a non-bailable warrant against
Lashkar-e-Taiba founder Hafiz Saeed from a Jammu court.
Why It Matters
Hafiz Saeed
is widely regarded as:
- The principal architect of the 2008
Mumbai terror attacks.
- A key inspiration and facilitator of
numerous anti-India terrorist operations.
- One of Pakistan’s most valuable strategic
assets in its proxy-war strategy against India.
Although
Pakistan has periodically claimed to have detained or prosecuted him, many
observers believe these actions were largely intended to ease international
pressure rather than permanently neutralize his activities.
India’s Message
The NIA’s
move is not merely a judicial procedure.
It sends a
clear message to Pakistan and the international community:
India will
continue pursuing terrorist masterminds through legal, diplomatic, and
international mechanisms, regardless of how much time has passed since their
crimes.
Such legal
actions strengthen India’s position in international forums, including FATF
deliberations, Interpol cooperation, United Nations counterterrorism processes,
and bilateral engagements with friendly countries.
Post–Operation Sindoor Context
Following
Operation Sindoor, Pakistan has faced increased international scrutiny
regarding terrorist infrastructure operating from its territory. India’s
growing diplomatic influence and expanding evidence base against
Pakistan-backed terror networks have given additional weight to such legal
initiatives.
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