Wed Jan 15 18:23:36 UTC 2025: ## Meta Apologizes for Zuckerberg’s Misstatement on India’s Election Results

**NEW DELHI** – Meta India issued a public apology on Monday following criticism over CEO Mark Zuckerberg’s comments about India’s 2024 general elections. During a podcast interview, Zuckerberg incorrectly stated that public dissatisfaction with the government’s COVID-19 response led to the defeat of most incumbent administrations, including India’s.

This assertion sparked immediate backlash from Indian officials. Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw, labeled Zuckerberg’s claim “factually incorrect,” highlighting India’s strong economic growth and the decisive re-election of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s NDA government. Vaishnaw cited the government’s extensive COVID-19 relief efforts and economic achievements as evidence of public trust.

Meta India’s Vice President of Public Policy, Shivnath Thukral, responded to the controversy on X (formerly Twitter), clarifying that while Zuckerberg’s observation about global trends in incumbent party re-election was true for many countries, it did not apply to India. Thukral issued a formal apology for the “inadvertent error” and reiterated Meta’s commitment to India and its digital ecosystem.

The incident has also drawn attention from India’s parliament. BJP MP Nishikant Dubey, head of the parliamentary committee on communications and information technology, announced plans to summon Meta representatives to address the misinformation.

The controversy highlights the sensitivity surrounding international commentary on India’s governance and the significant influence of global figures like Zuckerberg. Meta’s apology is seen as an attempt to mitigate the damage and reaffirm its strong ties with India.

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