The arrest of a Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) personnel, Moti Ram Jat, by the National Investigation Agency (NIA) on charges of espionage once again brings to light a deeply troubling trend. According to officials, Jat had been allegedly sharing sensitive and classified information with Pakistani intelligence officers since 2023. This incident is not an isolated case—it joins a string of similar breaches that raise serious questions about internal security, screening protocols, and counterintelligence readiness within our armed and paramilitary forces. The very institutions that are entrusted with the defense of the nation must be beyond reproach. When individuals from within these ranks are compromised, it not only undermines operational integrity but also endangers countless lives and sensitive missions. Espionage, particularly when it comes from insiders, is one of the most insidious threats to national security, as it often goes undetected until significant damage has already been done. While the NIA must be commended for identifying and arresting the suspect, this case must serve as a trigger for a broader, systemic investigation. How did such a breach go undetected for over a year? What checks and balances failed? Were there other accomplices or lapses in supervision? These are not mere technicalities—they are essential questions that point to potential vulnerabilities within our defense architecture. The recurrence of such incidents suggests that the current counterintelligence mechanisms may not be robust or proactive enough. While our security agencies have undoubtedly grown more vigilant in recent years, this arrest highlights the urgent need for enhanced vetting procedures, real-time monitoring of personnel, and continuous behavioral assessments, especially for those with access to classified information. Moreover, the digital age has made the task of espionage both easier and harder to detect. With communication happening over encrypted apps and foreign handlers often operating remotely, the ability of enemy agencies to infiltrate our institutions has grown more sophisticated. Therefore, our defense and intelligence community must rapidly evolve their counterespionage strategies, leveraging AI-driven monitoring systems, data analytics, and psychological profiling tools to stay ahead. But beyond tools and technology, a cultural shift is needed—one that reinforces ethical training, instills a deep sense of national duty, and addresses vulnerabilities such as financial distress or ideological disillusionment that foreign agencies often exploit. The arrest of Moti Ram Jat is a serious breach—but it’s also an opportunity for the government to conduct a wide-ranging audit, strengthen internal surveillance, and send a clear message: the guardians of the nation cannot, and will not, be allowed to falter.