The hidden nexus: Why India must take heed

Recent global developments have once again drawn attention to the dangerous undercurrents in international extremist networks. A report echoed recently by officials from Israel warns that Hamas is increasingly deepening operational ties with Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT), the Pakistan-based militant group designated as a terrorist organisation by many countries including India. Given the volatile regional dynamics, this warning deserves careful consideration. For both India’s internal security and the broader cause of peace in West Asia, any unchecked proliferation of transnational jihadist links must be prevented.

According to the report, Israel has formally urged India to “sanction and designate organisations such as Hamas as terrorist groups,” pointing to “increasing links between Hamas and Pakistan-based LeT and Iran-backed networks.” There have been recent intelligence inputs linking the two organisations in concrete acts: in 2025, the massacre of tourists in Pahalgam widely condemned in India has been linked by investigators to a wider “global jihad network,” allegedly involving Hamas training camps in Rawalakot (PoK) run in conjunction with LeT and Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) cadres. Taken together, these developments paint a worrying picture: a transnational terror ecosystem that is no longer confined to one region, but seeks to merge multiple struggles in Kashmir, in Gaza, and beyond under a single extremist banner.

Why this matters for India and for Palestine

While the ongoing conflict in Gaza understandably evokes sympathy for the Palestinian cause, the evolving nexus between Hamas and LeT should prompt serious introspection for both New Delhi and those who care about a stable, peaceful West Asia.

Threat to Indian security, LeT has a long history of orchestrating deadly attacks on Indian soil from the 2008 Mumbai attacks to repeated attacks in Kashmir. If Hamas, whose focus has historically been Gaza/Palestine, begins to coordinate with LeT, that could mean militant tactics, combat training, ideology and resources spreading across borders potentially targeting India. officials have warned that groups like Hamas, LeT, and theirs allies are using international criminal proxies to extend their reach. For India a pluralistic, secular, multi-faith society such a threat is deeply destabilizing. It could fuel communal tensions, radicalization, and terror attacks in places far from any “conflict zone.”

Undermining legitimate Palestinian aspirations: The conflation of the Palestinian struggle with global jihad especially in collaboration with groups linked to Pakistan’s territorial ambitions could delegitimise real Palestinian aspirations in the eyes of many international observers. If Palestinian cause becomes entangled with terror networks, global sympathy and diplomatic support for Palestine could erode, making a peaceful solution harder.

Diplomatic and moral ramifications for India: New Delhi has maintained a balanced approach in West Asia historically supporting Palestinian rights, while nurturing growing ties with Israel. If Hamas becomes part of a trans-national terror network involving Pakistan and Iran-linked entities, India’s moral posture and its security calculus may both demand a clear response possibly including designation of Hamas as a terrorist organisation under Indian law.

Given the gravity of the situation, India keeping in mind both national security and global responsibilities would benefit from a considered, transparent approach, India Can Consider formal designation of Hamas as a terrorist organisation under Indian laws, similar to how LeT has been proscribed in order to cut off any financial, logistical or operational support through Indian territory. Strengthen intelligence and counterterror cooperation with global partners, especially Western countries already fighting Hamas/LeT/other Islamist networks to monitor and disrupt cross-border financing, training, recruitment, and proxy activities.

There should be Differentiate between genuine humanitarian aid and aid infiltrated by extremist networks for instance, review and audit funding to organisations operating in conflict zones (such as refugee-relief agencies), to ensure that aid is not diverted to militant groups. Continue to support legitimate Palestinian rights and humanitarian needs, but make clear India’s stand against terrorism separating the political-humanitarian cause from global jihadist agendas.

The intensifying nexus between Hamas and LeT as indicated by recent intelligence and diplomatic warnings underscores that terrorism no longer remains a regional concern: it is increasingly global, trans-regional and trans-ideological. For India a nation committed to secularism, pluralism and peaceful co-existence staying silent in the face of such external pressures could pose grave risks: to national security, internal harmony, and even to the broader goals of justice and peace in West Asia.

At the same time, ignoring the legitimate plight of Palestinians would betray India’s long-standing humanitarian and diplomatic commitments. Therefore, the need of the hour is a nuanced, principled stance: one that unequivocally rejects terrorism and transnational jihad, while preserving compassion for victims of conflict and injustice. If India acts decisively and transparently, it could not only safeguard its own interests but also reaffirm its commitment to legitimate, peaceful solutions in global conflict zones.

(The Author is the Noted Islamic Scholar and National President of All India Muslim Jamat)