The Resilient Threat: ISIL’s Enduring Influence in India and Afghanistan

The UN reports that Islamic State (ISIL) remains a persistent threat in India and Afghanistan. While the group failed to launch significant attacks in India, it sought to inspire lone-actor attacks. The situation in Afghanistan is particularly concerning, with ISIL-K posing a serious threat to regional stability.

The Islamic State group, also known as ISIL or Da'esh, has been unable to carry out large-scale attacks in India, according to a new UN report. However, the group has been attempting to provoke lone-actor attacks from within, through its supporters in the nation. This information forms part of the 35th report from the Analytical Support and Sanctions Monitoring Team concerning ISIL and other related entities.

The report highlights that, despite losing territory and key leaders, ISIL remains resilient, posing an ongoing threat due to its decentralized structure. The challenges extend to Afghanistan, where ISIL-K continues to menace the region. UN findings indicate that the Taliban's measures against ISIL-K have been ineffective, allowing the group to forge ties with local communities and continue its operations unabated.

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres underscores the danger posed by ISIL-K, noting its potential impact beyond Afghanistan. Reports from varied Member States suggest that the group maintains not only its foothold in Central and South Asia but also its recruitment and logistical networks, emphasizing its role as a destabilizing force, intensifying threats across borders.

(With inputs from agencies.)