A new periodic national security assessment prepared by Indian intelligence and security agencies has flagged serious concerns over evolving militant and military dynamics in South Asia. According to an official familiar with the document, the report concludes that Pakistan has begun relocating segments of its operational terror infrastructure into neighbouring countries, a process that has reportedly gained pace after India’s recent Operation Sindoor. The assessment indicates that much of this repositioning is being channelled into Bangladesh and Nepal.
Officials say the report identifies specific locations where fresh training facilities and residential hubs are being set up, particularly in pockets just a few kilometres inside Bangladesh and Nepal, close to the Indian border. These stretches, the assessment notes, have witnessed renewed cross-border movements, activity described internally as similar to logistical preparations that typically precede operations. The assessment is based on weeks of multi-agency notes, surveillance inputs, and information gathered through various intelligence channels. It also warns of a surge in terror-linked infrastructure being developed inside Bangladesh. Officials involved in the review say that, in recent months, operatives linked with Bangladesh-based militant groups have been arrested across Indian states adjoining Bangladesh and Nepal, an indication that new transit corridors for movement and recruitment are being quietly tested.
One of the most disturbing findings in the report is the alleged financial and technological support flowing secretly from Turkey, combined with Pakistan’s continued supply of trainers, logistical resources and infrastructure to support expansion plans. Based on these indicators, Indian security agencies have intensified vigilance across border regions and have begun closer scrutiny of foreign-funded infrastructure projects in neighbouring countries. The review suggests tightening regional counter-terror cooperation and strengthening oversight on transnational financial channels that could be used for extremist activity.
LeT, JeM expanding in Nepal; AQIS and ISIS strengthening networks in Bangladesh
Despite internal concerns within Pakistan-based militant networks over losses suffered during Operation Sindoor, Indian agencies believe neo-operational planning is underway. The new report warns that Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) and Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) are widening their presence in Nepal, while al-Qaeda in the Indian Subcontinent (AQIS) and ISIS-connected modules are working systematically to turn Bangladesh into a fresh hub for radicalisation and recruitment. Officials say these activities have accelerated noticeably in the last five months, especially as pressure has increased on such organisations in their traditional strongholds.
According to the assessment, several of the newly developed bases resemble gated colonies, with restricted and compartmentalised zones meant to conceal terror-related training. Indian agencies have also tracked a steady movement of individuals from select regions in Pakistan into Bangladesh and Nepal, a trend seen as part of a longer-term strategy to reposition manpower and leadership.
Foreign funding channels highlighted
The report underscores the use of Turkish funding routes inside Bangladesh, alongside Pakistan’s continued provision of strategic resources to emerging militant groups. Intelligence summaries included in the assessment refer to what is described as a “quadrilateral alignment” involving Turkey, Pakistan, Bangladesh and Nepal, with covert cooperation spanning ideological, operational and infrastructure-related areas.
It further alleges that certain development and infrastructure projects close to the Indo-Nepal border have been quietly financed through Turkish-linked channels. Indian officials believe these investments are not purely commercial and could be aligned with Pakistan’s broader aim of destabilising India and reshaping the regional security environment. The assessment also notes the recent deepening of political links between Turkey and Bangladesh. Turkey’s Deputy Foreign Minister Berris Ekinci visited Dhaka in early October for the fourth round of political consultations. Government sources say the dialogue covered trade, investment, defence partnership, counter-terrorism, education, connectivity and humanitarian cooperation. During the visit, Ekinci also met Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus and engaged with leaders across Bangladesh’s political spectrum.
The report gives particular importance to the rapid expansion of defence cooperation between Turkey and Bangladesh. According to official communications reviewed during the assessment, both sides evaluated progress in defence industry collaboration, procurement, training and capacity development. Bangladesh has already begun scaling up its fleet of Turkish-built Bayraktar TB2 armed drones, equipment that has played significant roles in theatres ranging from Libya and Syria to the Armenia-Azerbaijan conflict. Defence sector reporting further suggests that Dhaka is exploring the purchase of advanced Turkish air-defence systems, including Hisar-O+ and Siper. No formal contract has been signed yet, but authoritative defence outlets claim that negotiations are active and tentative delivery timelines are being discussed. In addition, Haluk Gorgun, the head of Turkey’s Defence Industry Agency, recently visited Bangladesh for high-level meetings on defence cooperation and technology transfer. Numerous official and state-linked sources confirm that upgrading defence capacity remains a priority for both capitals.
Financial and ideological coordination under watch
Indian agencies are closely examining what they assess as coordinated ideological and operational links between Pakistan and Turkey across Bangladesh and Nepal. The report warns that funds, weapons, encrypted communications systems and extremist propaganda material have been funnelled into Bangladesh through covert channels. One intelligence input cited in the review claims that Turkish intelligence has financed renovation and infrastructural improvements at the Jamaat-e-Islami headquarters in Dhaka, an allegation that Indian agencies are treating seriously due to the organisation’s historical intersections with radical networks.
The assessment concludes that these developments collectively suggest a recalibrated militant strategy aimed at building operational depth beyond Pakistan’s borders. As a result, India has intensified border monitoring, increased intelligence sharing with partner countries and begun enhanced scrutiny of foreign-funded projects in the region. Agencies believe sustained observation will be essential to track emerging threats and prevent attempts to destabilise India and the wider South Asian security architecture.
