Hidden War on India? Suspicious Pakistani Containers Routed Through UAE Busted by DRI

National News: Despite India imposing a complete ban on trade with Pakistan from 2 May, Islamabad appears undeterred in its attempts to breach India’s economic and strategic sovereignty. In a major breakthrough, the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) has foiled yet another deceptive operation allegedly orchestrated by Pakistani networks.

Under the codename ‘Operation Deep Manifest,’ DRI seized 39 containers filled with 1,115 metric tons of goods, valued at approximately ₹9 crore. These shipments, originally from Pakistan, were routed through third countries like the UAE (Dubai) to disguise their origin and bypass Indian scrutiny. This clearly violated India’s import restrictions and was designed to appear as legitimate consignments from neutral nations. On Thursday, DRI arrested a partner of the importing firm linked to the illegal consignment. His interrogation is expected to reveal deeper insights into the cross-border nexus at play.

Mere Smuggling or a Strategic Threat?

This incident is not just about violating trade regulations—it potentially reflects a strategic security challenge. According to intelligence and national security experts, such attempts could be part of a broader hybrid warfare strategy—an approach where nations employ economic, cyber, and logistical means to destabilize their adversaries without direct military confrontation.

Potential Threats Identified:

• Cyber Espionage Hardware: Sophisticated surveillance devices could be hidden within such shipments, posing a serious threat to India’s cyber infrastructure.
• Fake or Counterfeit Goods: Damaging Indian markets by injecting low-quality or forged products, harming both consumers and domestic businesses.
• Terror Funding: These consignments could be used to smuggle illicit cash, drugs, or materials used to finance extremist groups.
• Surveillance Tools: Pakistan has a history of attempting to smuggle drones, sensors, and high-frequency communication devices into Indian territory.

India’s Uncompromising Stance on Pakistan

New Delhi has maintained a zero-tolerance policy towards Pakistan since the Pahalgam terror attacks earlier this year. Trade relations, already strained, were formally terminated on 2 May 2025. Prior to that, goods imported from Pakistan were subjected to 200% customs duty. The Indian government has clarified that no economic link will be entertained with a state that harbors and promotes terrorism.

DRI’s Swift Action: A National Security Win

DRI’s alertness prevented what could have been a significant breach of national security. If such a shipment had successfully entered Indian markets, it could have inflicted damage on multiple fronts—economic, technological, and strategic.

Key questions now under investigation:

• Was this an isolated shipment or part of a larger, organized network?
• Have similar consignments already slipped through Indian ports?
• Is there a domestic network aiding such operations within India?

Global Implications: A Message Beyond Borders

This is not just an internal matter for India. The implications of such activities resonate internationally. Pakistan has long faced allegations of using trade channels to fund or support terrorist infrastructure, including hawala transactions and narcotics smuggling.

India’s decisive action sends a strong diplomatic signal that such state-backed or state-ignored subversions will not be tolerated—not just under domestic laws, but under broader international counter-terrorism norms.

India Vigilant, But Future Risks Loom

While DRI’s success offers reassurance, it also serves as a warning. The modus operandi—using neutral trade routes to mask origin and intent—may evolve. Vigilance at ports, airports, and land borders will now require enhanced technology and intelligence coordination.

This episode is a stark reminder that national security now extends beyond borders and battlefields. Every container, every manifest, and every import has the potential to carry more than what meets the eye. India may have sealed its borders with Pakistan on paper, but the vigilance must continue—relentlessly and intelligently.