The GRU, or Main Intelligence Directorate (Glavnoe Razvedyvatel’noe Upravlenie), serves as Russia’s military intelligence agency. Established in 1918, it operates under the supervision of the Russian Ministry of Defense, focusing on military intelligence and data collection abroad. This article explores the GRU’s historical operations within India and its alleged contemporary activities.
Understanding the GRU’s Historical Presence in India
During the Cold War, the GRU developed a significant presence in India, facilitated by the strong strategic relationship between India and the Soviet Union. This diplomatic unity and shared military ideals created an environment conducive to intelligence activities.
Historical reports indicate the GRU engaged in espionage, intelligence gathering, and influence campaigns within India. A declassified 1985 CIA report suggested extensive Soviet penetration into Indian political parties and media, with some prominent politicians and journalists allegedly acting as “agents of influence” to promote Soviet interests. Although the authenticity of such claims can be debated, they highlight the perceived depth of Soviet intelligence operations in India during that period.
The GRU’s activities during the Cold War involved gathering information on Western military and defense strategies, particularly regarding NATO. This intelligence allowed the Soviet Union to anticipate moves and plans of the Western bloc, contributing to strategic stability during a period of heightened geopolitical tension.
Contemporary Activities and Allegations
In the post-Cold War era, the GRU’s alleged activities in India have adapted to the modern geopolitical landscape, shifting towards cybersecurity threats and disinformation campaigns. India’s growing ties with the United States have drawn attention from Russian intelligence, prompting increased monitoring of events within India.
There are allegations of the GRU’s involvement in cyber operations and influence campaigns aimed at India. For instance, Unit 74455 of the GRU has been implicated in destabilizing actions against other governments and interfering in elections. While specific public charges against the GRU directly related to Indian elections are less common, Indian officials remain vigilant due to Russia’s increasing tendency to interfere in important events in other countries.
Recent reports indicate cyber espionage campaigns targeting Indian government entities and the energy sector. In March 2024, an uncategorized threat actor, with behavioral similarities to previous attacks, utilized a modified information stealer to exfiltrate significant amounts of data, including financial documents and employee details, from private Indian energy companies and government agencies. These incidents underscore the ongoing intelligence gathering efforts within the modern geopolitical context.