New Delhi [India]: Reports of foreign interference in India’s internal affairs, including allegations highlighted in international media, have sparked significant debate, with the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) addressing the issue.
MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal confirmed that the matter has been raised in Parliament and is being taken seriously. “We have seen reports about foreign interference in India, including in the international media. This issue has been discussed in both houses of Parliament,” Jaiswal stated at a press briefing on Friday.
BJP Accusations Against the US “Deep State”
The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has accused the US State Department and the so-called “Deep State” of attempting to destabilize India by targeting Prime Minister Narendra Modi. On December 5, BJP shared a post on X, alleging that the US government had provided funding to the Organised Crime and Corruption Reporting Project (OCCRP) to produce material aimed at tarnishing India’s image.
“The Deep State had a clear objective to destabilize India by targeting Prime Minister Modi,” the BJP claimed. According to the party, the Congress exploited these reports to attack PM Modi, propagate false narratives, and disrupt Parliament proceedings.
BJP MP Sudhanshu Trivedi also raised concerns in the Rajya Sabha about OCCRP’s alleged connections with foreign governments and billionaire George Soros, claiming that these entities were targeting India. He pointed out that reports such as Pegasus, the Hindenburg Report, and others have consistently emerged just before Parliament sessions.
Congress Allegations and Counter-Attacks
Congress leader Rahul Gandhi has been at the center of BJP’s allegations. BJP MP Sambit Patra accused Gandhi of being part of a “triangle” along with George Soros and OCCRP, with the goal of destabilizing India.
“Rahul Gandhi is the traitor of the highest order. He follows the directives of OCCRP, which is funded by George Soros’ Open Society Foundation. Their shared aim is to damage India’s stability and progress,” Patra alleged.
Patra further claimed that Salil Shetty, a senior official of George Soros’ Open Society Foundation, participated in Gandhi’s Bharat Jodo Yatra, suggesting a direct link between Gandhi and Soros-backed efforts to destabilize India.
Foreign Influence Allegations
In Parliament, BJP leaders cited a French media report that highlighted OCCRP’s alleged funding by foreign governments and links to Soros. Trivedi asserted that reports like those on Pegasus and the Hindenburg Group have been strategically timed to disrupt Indian governance.
Trivedi’s remarks and subsequent opposition protests led to an adjournment in the Rajya Sabha. Meanwhile, BJP continues to emphasize the need to address external attempts to interfere with India’s internal matters.
MEA’s Response
While not addressing specific allegations, MEA spokesperson Jaiswal reiterated India’s stance against foreign interference. “India remains vigilant and committed to addressing such issues,” he said, adding that the government will continue to raise its concerns on appropriate platforms.