As the US-Israel-Iran war continues, the ripple effect was seen in India as well, in terms of protests against the killing of Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, in recent US-Israel military strikes on Iran.
In this backdrop, an Intelligence Bureau official today revealed that some radical elements have been preparing Artificial Intelligence (AI) generated videos and circulating them, to radicalise the youth and then instigate them to carry out attacks in India. These are propaganda videos that are being prepared in multiple languages. Another official said that these elements are not just targeting the Shia Muslims. The audience includes the Sunnis as well.
Following the death of Khamenei, the Centre had issued an advisory stating that radical elements would look to infiltrate prayer meetings and solidarity rallies and radicalise the youth. Mourning processions have already been held by Shia communities in Hyderabad, Mumbai, Lucknow, and Delhi. Officials say that they are expecting more such processions in the days to come. This is what the radical elements would be looking to target, the official added.
Propaganda videos prepared in multiple languages
The propaganda videos are being prepared in multiple languages. For instance, the videos are made in Malayalam for Kerala, so that these elements are able to target the youth in that state. Similarly, for the Kashmir audience, the videos are in Kashmiri or Koshur, and for UP, it is in Hindi, the official said.
In addition to these languages, AI is also being used to create content in Urdu and other Indian languages. This is an indication that the radical elements are planning on expanding their reach using the war as an excuse.
Influencers being watched closely
In addition to the AI-generated videos that are in circulation, a close watch is being kept on influencers who run religious and cultural channels online. These persons would try to subtly slip in messages to incite the youth in India, the official added. Issues such as the Shia genocide and attack on the Umma are subjects that they would use to radicalise the people, the agencies have learnt.
Another official added that although the Islamic State is opposed to the Shias, it would still look to capitalise on the situation and push its agenda. This outfit and the likes of Al-Qaeda have very often used global issues to push their own version of Islam, the official said.
X, WhatsApp, Telegram being used to radicalise
Further, the agencies have learnt that platforms such as X, WhatsApp and Telegram are being used to spread the agenda of the radicals in India. Officials say that messaging currently is subtle, and this indicates that they are testing the waters. As the war intensifies, the message would become louder and open calls would be made to indulge in violence.
As per the agencies, this is a longer game, and the intention is not to strike immediately. These people want to create a pool of a large number of individuals by using the Iran issue and then strike big in India.