Pakistan using its embassies as spy hubs: Ex-Indian diplomat

Former Diplomat Manjeev Singh Puri

Retired Indian diplomat and former ambassador to Nepal, Manjeev Singh Puri, has accused Pakistan of using its embassies worldwide for espionage activities.

In an interview with ANI, Puri stated, "Pakistanis use their embassies for these kinds of activities not just in Nepal, but all over the world."

He further added that, "We need to be conscious about this. We need to be conscious, and India is very cognizant about this."

When asked about Pakistan’s border strategy of using Nepal to smuggle arms, drugs, and counterfeit currency into India through ISI-linked networks, former ambassador Manjeev Singh Puri said, “I don’t want to overplay this Pakistani business. India has strong border infrastructure and a clear understanding of developments in Nepal. Credit to our security agencies—they manage this quite well. They also have good cooperation with the Nepalese police forces.”

Puri, remarked on Pakistan's regional tactics, stating that while Nepal once offered certain inroads to Pakistani elements, the situation has changed significantly since the IC814 hijacking. "There are no direct flights now; it's not physically such an easy matter," he noted.

Emphasizing India’s vigilance, he added, "We are conscious and cognizant of this, and I believe we have arrangements in place to address it—just as we do with other parts of the world—to ensure our country's security."

He further spoke about India-Nepal relations, saying, "The people-to-people connection is what truly binds India and Nepal. In our villages, we cherish this roti-beti rishta—a bond of shared livelihoods and familial ties."