New Delhi: On Saturday, the US expressed disappointment over the Bharatiya Janata Party’s claims that the State Department and “deep state” elements in Washington are collaborating with a group of investigative journalists and Congress leader Rahul Gandhi to undermine India.
A spokesperson from the US Embassy in Delhi remarked, “It’s disappointing that the ruling party in India would make these kinds of accusations.” This statement followed a series of posts by the BJP, which alleged that the US State Department was behind the investigative journalism portal Organized Crime and Corruption Reporting Project (OCCRP), accusing it of pursuing an agenda against Prime Minister Narendra Modi and India.
The embassy spokesperson clarified, “The U.S. government collaborates with independent organizations to provide programming that supports the professional development and capacity-building training of journalists, without influencing their editorial choices or direction.” The statement further emphasized, “The United States has been a staunch supporter of media freedom worldwide.
An independent press is vital to any democracy, fostering informed dialogue and holding power accountable.” The BJP has been targeting Rahul Gandhi, the OCCRP, and philanthropist George Soros for opposing Modi. On December 5, the BJP referenced a French media report claiming that OCCRP is funded by the US Agency for International Development and other “deep state” figures like Soros. The BJP asserted, “The Deep State aims to destabilize India by targeting Prime Minister Modi.”
This accusation is notable given the strong ties India and the US have built over the last twenty years, intending to reinforce their relationship despite some differences. BJP spokesperson Sambit Patra reiterated these claims at an official media briefing on Thursday, stating, “A French investigative media group has revealed that 50 percent of OCCRP’s funding comes directly from the U.S. State Department,” and added, “OCCRP functions as a media tool for implementing a deep state agenda.”
