Indonesia steps up support for India in countering terrorism, deports two ISIS operatives

According to sources, Indonesia has deported two accused ISIS operatives to India, aiding New Delhi in its recent strikes on terrorist camps and air bases in Pakistan following the terror attack on tourists in Pahalgam, Kashmir.

The two individuals, identified as members of an ISIS-linked sleeper cell in Maharashtra, were apprehended in Mumbai after their deportation from Jakarta, sources told The Economic Times.

The deported operatives, Abdullah Fayaz and Talha Khan, had been hiding in Indonesia before being handed over to Indian authorities.

Jakarta’s cooperation in this matter highlights Indonesia’s consistent support for India on issues of territorial integrity related to Kashmir, particularly at forums such as the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), and its broader efforts to dismantle terrorist infrastructure and suppress extremist ideologies.

In January, Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto cancelled his planned visit to Pakistan after attending India’s Republic Day celebrations and extended his stay in New Delhi.

Days after Subianto’s meeting with India’s envoy in Jakarta—where they discussed the April Pahalgam attack that killed 26 tourists—Indonesia deported two ISIS operatives to India.

President Subianto reportedly expressed deep dismay over the brutality of the Pahalgam attack, stating that such violence did not reflect the Islamic values upheld in Indonesia. He further remarked that military-driven ideologies fail to achieve their intended goals.

During Subianto’s visit to India in January, he and Prime Minister Narendra Modi issued a strong condemnation of terrorism in all its forms and reaffirmed their commitment to enhancing bilateral and global cooperation to counter the threat.

The two leaders emphasised the urgency of stepping up international efforts to combat terrorism—particularly through disrupting terrorist financing and recruitment pipelines.

They also called for unified global action to deny terrorist groups safe havens and support systems, in line with international responsibilities and obligations.

Recognising the evolving nature of security threats, both leaders pledged to collaborate on countering online radicalisation and strengthening anti-extremist narratives, according to a joint statement released after the visit.