New Delhi, June 23 : Indian security agencies are closely monitoring what they describe as a growing pattern in Hamas's efforts to expand its influence in South Asia. Intelligence inputs suggest that the Palestinian militant group is seeking to strengthen ties with extremist organisations across the region, particularly in Pakistan, Bangladesh, and Sri Lanka.

Pakistan has, on several occasions, hosted senior Hamas leaders, who have reportedly been seen interacting with members of terror outfits such as Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) and Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM). Security officials also point to similarities between the Pahalgam attack and the tactics used during Hamas's October 7 attack on Israel.

While Hamas's links with Pakistan-based terror groups have long been viewed as an open secret by intelligence agencies, officials now say the outfit is attempting to widen its reach beyond Pakistan into Bangladesh and Sri Lanka.

According to intelligence inputs, Hamas is seeking to establish a broader footprint in South Asia by forging connections with multiple extremist organisations. Traditionally focused on Palestine and its conflict with Israel, the group is now believed to be pursuing a wider regional presence following its engagement with Pakistan-based networks.

An Intelligence Bureau official said Hamas is unlikely to operate directly under its own banner in these countries.

"It would work along with outfits such as the Lashkar-e-Taiba, Al-Qaeda in Bangladesh, Jamaat-ul-Mujahideen Bangladesh (JMB) and pro-Hamas groups in Sri Lanka," the official said.

The broader objective, officials believe, is to move beyond Gaza and create a support network across South Asia. By cultivating multiple partnerships, Hamas could significantly increase its regional reach and influence.

Another official noted that Hamas may not necessarily participate directly in operational activities alongside these groups. Instead, the value of such alliances lies in expanding the organisation's influence, visibility and support infrastructure.

The official added that these partnerships could also provide logistical advantages while helping Hamas raise funds through networks established across South Asia.

Security agencies assessed that such efforts could eventually extend into Nepal, Myanmar and the Maldives.

"Hamas would not find it difficult to undertake these operations," another official said.

According to the intelligence agencies, Pakistan's Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) played a key role in facilitating Hamas' engagement with networks in the region. Officials allege that the Pakistani spy agency has encouraged Hamas leaders to visit various South Asian countries and cultivate alliances with local organisations.

Such arrangements, officials believe, serve the ISI's interests by expanding its influence and strengthening connections among extremist groups operating across the region.

An official said that the immediate concern is not necessarily the launch of coordinated terror operations. Rather, agencies are worried that a Hamas-linked network could significantly enhance recruitment efforts for multiple extremist organisations.

"All these terror groups would also benefit from the Hamas branding. The alliance partners of Hamas all have a common enemy in Israel, and hence this combination would work out best for all of them," the official said.

Officials fear that recruitment could increase substantially if such alliances deepen. Security officials also warn that Hamas could contribute to radicalisation efforts through ideological outreach and support networks, further strengthening extremist groups in the region.

Recently, Israeli Ambassador to India Reuven Azar, in an interview, said that Hamas-linked activities had been taking place in Pakistan and Bangladesh. He expressed concern that the organisation's influence could spread beyond the Middle East.

Azar further stated that Hamas has been active in Pakistan and Bangladesh since the October 7 attacks on Israel.

From India's perspective, officials say Hamas' efforts to build relationships with extremist groups in neighbouring countries remain a significant security concern. They warn that such networks could eventually seek to radicalise and recruit Indian youth, creating long-term challenges for regional security.

/IANS