Mon Jan 06 14:15:34 UTC 2025: ## Soros’ Medal of Freedom Sparks Outrage, Fuels India-US Tensions

**Washington D.C./New Delhi** – The awarding of the Presidential Medal of Freedom to George Soros by outgoing President Biden has ignited a firestorm of controversy, particularly in India where the billionaire philanthropist is a highly divisive figure. While the White House lauded Soros for his philanthropy and activism, critics, including prominent figures like Elon Musk, Donald Trump Jr., and J.D. Vance, voiced strong opposition.

In India, the reaction has been even more intense. External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar previously referred to Soros as “old, rich, and dangerous,” a sentiment echoed by numerous BJP officials. The party has repeatedly accused Soros of attempting to destabilize India’s government, citing his criticism of Prime Minister Modi and alleged support for Kashmiri independence through his Open Society Foundation.

The BJP has further linked Soros to the Congress party, alleging that Sonia Gandhi is collaborating with him and his network. These claims, fueled by a recent OCCRP report on the Adani Group and amplified on social media, have led to accusations of foreign interference in India’s internal affairs and sparked heated debates in Parliament. The BJP has even controversially used imagery replacing Babasaheb Ambedkar with Soros on Congress campaign materials, prompting a strong rebuke from the opposition party.

While the Adani Group has denied any connection to Soros, the controversy underscores the deep-seated tensions surrounding the philanthropist’s influence and the sensitive nature of his relationship with India. The incident highlights the complex interplay between US domestic politics and international relations, particularly in the context of India’s growing geopolitical importance.

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