India-Pakistan Espionage Allegations

India-Pakistan Espionage Allegations: A Widening Diplomatic Rift

India and Pakistan were in the midst of a full-fledged diplomatic crisis in May 2025, with allegations of espionage, arrests, and the mutual expulsion of diplomats. The crisis underscores the fragile state of bilateral relations and the ongoing intelligence rivalry between the two nuclear-armed adversaries.
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????️‍♂️ Espionage Allegations and Arrests
The spat was triggered after India expelled an official of the Pakistani High Commission in New Delhi on espionage charges. Pakistan retaliated by making an Indian diplomat in Islamabad persona non grata and requesting him to leave within 24 hours. The expulsions were also accompanied by heightened security and a suspension of visa services between the two countries.
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The espionage charges were also fueled by the arrest of six individuals in India, including travel YouTuber Jyoti Malhotra. Malhotra, whose channel is “Travel With Jo,” was accused of transmitting sensitive military information to Pakistani intelligence agents. The government claimed that she was in contact with Ehsan-ur-Rahim, a staff member at the Pakistan High Commission in New Delhi, who was declared persona non grata by India on May 13, 2025, for conducting espionage-related activities.
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The arrests have also initiated investigations into other individuals associated with Malhotra, including a YouTuber from Puri in Odisha, who had visited Pakistan with her. Officials are investigating the nature of their relationship and if they are involved in any espionage activities.
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????️‍♂️ Historical Context: Espionage Between India and Pakistan
Spying between India and Pakistan has been an old issue. Most notably, Indian Research and Analysis Wing (RAW) agent Ravinder Kaushik spied on the Pakistan Army in the 1970s under the alias Nabi Ahmed Shakir. He rose to the rank of major before he was arrested and sentenced to life imprisonment. Kaushik’s example speaks of the dangerous nature of spying operations between the two countries.
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Both nations have accused each other of spying in recent years. In 2023, India arrested a leading scientist with the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) for allegedly transferring sensitive information to Pakistani agents. The incident raised questions over the security of India’s defense secrets.
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???? Diplomatic Fallout and International Reactions
The espionage allegations have led to a dramatic decline in diplomatic relations. Diplomats have been expelled from both countries, visa services have been halted, and travel bans have been enforced. The international community has expressed concern over the escalating tensions and the potential for further destabilization in the region.
The Logical Indian

The United Nations and other global bodies have called for restraint and talks and have urged India and Pakistan to settle their disputes through diplomatic means rather than espionage and covert operations.