ISI Increases Espionage Budget to Rs 1,300 Crore Targeting Indian Navy and Air Force

• •ISI's espionage budget for India increased to Rs 1,300 crore post-Operation Sindoor.
• •18 individuals arrested in Visakhapatnam, including 13 Navy personnel, for espionage activities.
• •Recruitment of high-value targets now offers Rs 15-25 lakh, indicating a serious threat to national security.

Pakistan's Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) has raised its annual espionage budget against India to Rs 1,300 crore, up from Rs 800-900 crore, following Operation Sindoor. The increase aims to enhance Human Intelligence (HUMINT) operations within the Indian Navy and Air Force, with high-value targets being offered between Rs 15 lakh and Rs 25 lakh. Recent investigations in Visakhapatnam led to the arrest of 18 individuals, including 13 Indian Navy personnel, for allegedly sharing sensitive information with Pakistani intelligence operatives. The ISI's intensified efforts to establish a HUMINT network are reportedly more urgent than in previous years, with a focus on exploiting vulnerabilities and honey traps. The current situation reflects a significant escalation in Pakistan's espionage activities against India, particularly concerning naval operations.