ISI Boosts Espionage Budget to Rs 1,300 Cr, Intensifies India Military Infiltration

Pakistan's Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) has reportedly increased its annual budget for spying on India to a massive Rs 1,300 crore, significantly up from its previous allocation of Rs 800-900 crore. This move signals a dangerous escalation in covert activities, especially aimed at building extensive human intelligence networks within the Indian Navy and Indian Air Force. The budget hike follows 'Operation Sindoor' last year, a major Indian counter-terrorism action, indicating Pakistan's renewed efforts to gain critical defense insights after suffering setbacks. This intensified focus comes at a critical time, with recent operations by Indian intelligence agencies uncovering widespread espionage. Just this month, 'Operation Firewall-2026' led to the arrest of 18 individuals, including 13 Indian Navy personnel, suspected of sharing sensitive data from the Visakhapatnam Naval Dockyard with Pakistani Intelligence Operatives. The ISI is reportedly offering higher payments, up to Rs 25 lakh, to lure 'high-value targets' through methods like honey-trap, exploiting vulnerabilities, and setting up complex logistical support systems using local SIM cards and digital propaganda. Indian intelligence agencies are on high alert, anticipating more sophisticated attempts to infiltrate defense establishments. The increased funding and a more aggressive approach suggest that Pakistan aims for continuous, long-term intelligence gathering rather than isolated leaks, posing a persistent threat to India's national security. Authorities are now focusing on strengthening counter-espionage measures and enhancing digital security to protect critical military information and personnel from these evolving threats.