Chinese intelligence agencies employ various methods to monitor and control Tibetan activists and dissidents abroad.
The Tibetan diaspora represents a community of profound cultural and spiritual significance, whose members often find refuge in India while maintaining aspirations for their homeland’s autonomy. However, this community has increasingly found itself as a target of Chinese intelligence operations aimed at suppressing dissent, gathering sensitive information, and undermining efforts for Tibetan self-determination.
While India’s intelligence agencies have traditionally focused their resources on countering external threats at national borders, the covert activities of Chinese operatives among the Tibetan diaspora warrant more active engagement. Here’s why India’s intelligence apparatus should recalibrate its focus and strategies.
The Tibetan diaspora holds a unique geopolitical position within India. India is home to the Tibetan Government-in-Exile, headquartered in Dharamshala, which serves as a powerful symbol of resistance against Chinese authoritarian policies. This makes India a focal point in the broader struggle for Tibetan autonomy—an issue that China views as a direct threat to its territorial integrity.
Chinese intelligence agencies have been known to employ various methods, including surveillance, infiltration, and disinformation campaigns, to monitor and control Tibetan activists and dissidents abroad. Such activities not only erode the autonomy of the Tibetan movement but also represent a direct affront to India’s sovereignty, as they exploit Indian soil to advance China’s agenda.
1. The activities of Chinese intelligence among the Tibetan diaspora could compromise India’s internal security by fostering mistrust, collecting sensitive information, and undermining local governance.
2. Supporting the Tibetan community more actively would solidify India’s position as a defender of human rights and autonomy, which could strengthen India’s relations with global democracies opposed to Chinese authoritarianism.
3. Addressing espionage and subversion early prevents escalation. Covert activities left unchecked can snowball into broader regional instability.
India’s intelligence agencies can employ various measures to counteract Chinese espionage:
Building trust and collaboration with Tibetan activists and community leaders can help intelligence agencies gain insight into Chinese tactics.
Monitoring communication networks and social platforms for disinformation campaigns that target Tibetan activists.
Partnering with international intelligence agencies that have experience in countering Chinese espionage can provide valuable insights and resources.
India is at a critical juncture where proactive intelligence efforts can not only safeguard its sovereignty but also assert its leadership role in advocating for justice and human rights. Countering Chinese intelligence activities among the Tibetan diaspora is not just a matter of security—it is a moral imperative in a broader geopolitical contest for influence and autonomy. The time for decisive action is now.
* The nephew of the Dalai Lama, Khedroob Thondup is a geopolitical expert.