Sat Dec 07 08:31:56 UTC 2024: ## India Accuses US of Orchestrating Anti-Modi Media Campaign; US Denies

**NEW DELHI, December 7, 2024** – Tensions between India and the United States escalated sharply after the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) accused the U.S. State Department of orchestrating a media campaign against Prime Minister Narendra Modi and businessman Gautam Adani. The BJP alleges that the U.S. government, through funding of organizations like the Organized Crime and Corruption Reporting Project (OCCRP), is behind critical news reports published in outlets such as the Financial Times and OCCRP itself. These reports, the BJP claims, are part of a “Deep State” agenda to destabilize India.

The U.S. Embassy in New Delhi strongly refuted the accusations, calling them “disappointing.” A spokesperson emphasized the U.S.’s commitment to media freedom and denied influencing the editorial decisions of any news organizations. While acknowledging U.S. government support for programs that aid journalists’ professional development, the spokesperson stressed that this support does not involve editorial control.

The BJP’s claims cite funding sources for OCCRP and point to the presence of USAID Administrator Samantha Power in Uzbekistan during a visit by Indian opposition leader Rahul Gandhi. The party further alleges a coordinated effort involving the Congress party to disseminate these reports and attack the Modi government.

This public clash marks a significant deterioration in U.S.-India relations, which have already been strained by recent indictments against Adani family members in the U.S. on charges including bribery and fraud, and the arrest of Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has yet to comment officially on the matter.

The BJP’s accusations, coming just days before the projected change in US administration, are seen by some analysts as a preemptive strike potentially aimed at improving relations with the incoming Trump administration, given President-elect Trump’s appointees’ past criticism of the “Deep State.” However, the direct targeting of U.S. government agencies represents a serious escalation in the diplomatic dispute.

Read More