New Delhi: The United States has dismissed allegations by BJP that organisations funded by the US State Department and elements of the American “deep state” were involved in efforts to destabilise India. The allegations, centred on attacks against Prime Minister Narendra Modi and businessman Gautam Adani, were described as “disappointing” by a US Embassy spokesperson on Saturday.
On December 5, the BJP claimed that the US “deep state”, in collaboration with the media organisation OCCRP (Organised Crime and Corruption Reporting Project) and Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, was working to damage India’s image. The BJP pointed to Rahul Gandhi’s references to OCCRP reports in his criticisms of the Adani Group, which they allege has close ties to the government.
OCCRP funded by US State Department’s USAID
The party also cited a French media report claiming that OCCRP is funded by the US State Department’s USAID, alongside individuals like George Soros and organisations such as the Rockefeller Foundation.
In a strong rebuttal, a spokesperson for the US Embassy, as reported by news agency PTI, stated: “It’s disappointing that the ruling party in India would make these kinds of accusations. The US government collaborates with independent organisations on programmes supporting professional development and capacity building for journalists. These programmes do not influence the editorial decisions or direction of these organisations.” The spokesperson reiterated the US government’s commitment to global media freedom, calling it an essential component of democracy.
‘OCCRP part of broader effort to undermine India’
The OCCRP, based in Amsterdam, focuses on stories related to crime and corruption. BJP claims that it is part of a broader effort to undermine India, funded and supported by US entities.
The controversy comes amid separate allegations against Gautam Adani. Last month, US prosecutors charged Adani, his nephew Sagar, and others with paying over $250 million in bribes to Indian officials between 2020 and 2024 to secure lucrative solar energy contracts. These contracts reportedly had the potential to yield over $2 billion in profits.
Congress demanded a thorough investigation into the allegations and accused the government of shielding the Adani Group. The Adani Group, however, dismissed the charges as “baseless” and announced plans for legal action.
