The recent arrests of two Indian citizens in Karnataka, suspected of attempting to radicalize and recruit young Muslims in India by requesting funds for the Tekhrek e Pakistan (TTP), have added a new dimension to the triangle between India, the TTP and Pakistan. The National Investigation Agency (NIA) has charged French translator Mohd Arif of Aligarh, Uttar Pradesh, and computer engineer Hamraz Worshid Shaikh of Thane, Maharashtra. The two suspects had been chatting online with a Syrian handler with TTP ties and planned to go to Afghanistan to join the terrorist group. The NIA also revealed that Shaikh had used this cash to support TTP operations in Pakistan. This case has highlighted the perils of online radicalization and the worldwide reach of extremist organizations.

Pakistan claims that India is using the TTP as a stand-in to undermine and destabilize Pakistan. Pakistan claims to have evidence of Indian cooperation in many TTP attacks, including Peshawar (2014), Bacha Khan (2016), and Gwadar (2019). Pakistan also asserts that Indian authorities support the TTP's operations in Afghanistan and shield its leaders. India, however, has vehemently refuted these claims, branding them untrue and contrived. India maintains that it is against all types of terrorism and has no affiliation with the TTP.

Regional security and stability are at risk due to the disagreement over whether the TTP is serving as a front organization for India to destabilize Pakistan. The TTP poses a threat not only to Pakistan but also to neighboring nations like Afghanistan and India, as well as to the global community. Numerous terrorist incidents in Pakistan, including those against civilians and members of religious minorities, as well as Afghan and NATO personnel, are the fault of the TTP. The TTP may have connections to overseas terrorist groups like the Islamic State and al-Qaeda. The presence and activities of the TTP in Afghanistan have hindered efforts to bring about peace and the ultimate withdrawal of foreign military forces from that war-torn nation.

The two Indian nationals accused of having ties to the TTP serve as a prime illustration of how crucial it is for regional and international organizations to work together more closely to counter terrorism and extremism adequately. It also highlights how critical it is to address the issues of poverty, unemployment, prejudice, and alienation that affect the most vulnerable sections of society, as they are critical contributors to radicalization and recruiting. It also urges Pakistan and India to discuss their previous disagreements to foster confidence and trust among the countries in the area.

In this case, young individuals were not only radicalized but also encouraged to flee their homes and join the TTP in order to engage in violent Jihad. There has been a concerning shift from online radicalization to in-person recruiting, which needs immediate response. In this example, the TTP, which has been accused of having contacts with India and other terrorist groups, demonstrates its worldwide reach and endurance. It uncovers the flaws and reasons that drive people to embrace extremist ideologies and the threat they pose to national and regional security. This case emphasizes the significance of increased regional and international collaboration and coordination in combating the dangers of terrorism and extremism.

The NIA recently arrested Mohd Arif and Hamraz Worshid Shaikh on suspicion of soliciting funds for the TTP terrorist group in Karnataka. The arrest of these individuals highlights the possibility for radicalization and recruitment within India's diverse population, particularly disadvantaged ones. Their ties to international terrorist organizations and India's intelligence agency, RAW, create more concerns about their power and misuse. As investigations continue, India must rethink its counter-terrorism policy to combat terrorism and ensure regional security successfully.

Abdul Mussawer Safi is a student of International Relations at the National Defense University Islamabad. He has worked with various think tanks and has written and researched the regional dynamics of South Asia. He has also highlighted many humanitarian issues in different outlets. He is interested in exploring the challenges and opportunities for peace and development in the region.