Days after the BJP alleged that the US State Department was attempting to “destabilise India” by partly funding a news portal accused of “targeting” Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the US Embassy in New Delhi expressed disappointment on Saturday, stating that it was “disappointing that the ruling party in India would make these kinds of accusations.”
A US Embassy spokesperson said the US government works with independent organisations to support professional development for journalists.
“This programming does not influence the editorial decisions or direction of these organisations… The United States has long been a champion of media freedom around the world. A free and independent press is an essential component of any democracy, enabling informed and constructive debate and holding those in power accountable,” US Embassy spokesperson said, as The Indian Express reported.
The controversy stems from comments made by BJP spokesperson Sambit Patra, who alleged that the US “deep state” colluded with journalists and Congress leader Rahul Gandhi to undermine India’s growth. Patra linked the allegations to recent US indictments involving Gautam Adani and his group, accusing foreign entities of attempting to destabilise India by targeting Modi.
Patra’s remarks included references to the Organised Crime and Corruption Reporting Project (OCCRP), which the BJP claimed is partially funded by the US Agency for International Development and billionaire investor George Soros. The BJP called the OCCRP’s reports “baseless” and alleged a coordinated effort to tarnish Modi’s image.
In Parliament, BJP MP Nishikant Dubey accused Gandhi of conspiring with foreign forces to derail India’s success story. Dubey also alleged that Gandhi met with individuals like Soros and US lawmakers critical of Modi during his foreign visits. BJP leaders demanded an investigation into Gandhi’s meetings.
Congress leaders dismissed the allegations as an attempt to deflect from corruption claims against the Adani Group. Congress MP Shashi Tharoor criticised Dubey for making defamatory remarks without prior notice, calling the incident a violation of parliamentary privilege.
“The House was initially adjourned. We went to see the Speaker and we said this has to be expunged from the record. The person must apologise,” Tharoor said.
The OCCRP denied the BJP’s claims about its funding, stating it operates with safeguards to ensure editorial independence. “All funding documents are publicly available,” the organisation said in a statement.
The controversy comes as India’s Ministry of External Affairs reaffirmed its strong partnership with the US, despite recent remarks by Gandhi comparing Modi’s memory to that of President Joe Biden. The MEA called the comments “unfortunate” and not reflective of India’s official stance.
This diplomatic tension coincides with US indictments in a separate case involving an alleged assassination plot against Khalistani activist Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, further complicating ties between the two nations.