Foreign meddling in India’s internal affairs has become a hotly debated issue, particularly concerning electoral processes. The latest controversy was sparked by former U.S. President Donald Trump’s decision to cancel $21 million in aid to India. Officially, this funding was intended to support voter turnout efforts, but Trump suggested something more—hinting that the Biden administration may have played a role in influencing India’s political landscape.
This claim has set off a political firestorm, with the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the Indian National Congress trading accusations of enabling foreign interference. However, a conflicting report has emerged, stating that the funds in question were not allocated to India at all, but to Bangladesh, adding yet another layer of complexity to the debate.
Election Interference in the Digital Age
Election meddling is nothing new. In today’s world, it has become more sophisticated, thanks to the internet. A few keystrokes are all it takes to create an army of propaganda bots, flood social media with disinformation, and manipulate public opinion. Many nations engage in such tactics, but few have institutionalized them as effectively as the United States.
In the past, U.S. intelligence agencies such as the CIA directly orchestrated political interference abroad. Today, these efforts are more discreet, relying on media organizations, think tanks, and research institutions to shape narratives in targeted countries. At the heart of this influence network is USAID, the United States Agency for International Development, which funds numerous organizations linked to political advocacy.
Following the Money: A Web of Influence
USAID’s financial reach extends to multiple foundations, including the Henry Luce Foundation. In 2020, this foundation allocated $385,000 to an American university to publish a report titled Indian Muslims at a Time of Hindu Majoritarianism. Another grant of $316,000 went to Human Rights Watch for a study on religious violence in Myanmar, Indonesia, and India. These reports, while presented as independent research, raise concerns about how foreign-funded narratives may influence global perceptions of India.
The connections run deep. John Julian Amre, a member of the Henry Luce Foundation, also leads the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS), which has received $7 million from USAID. Similarly, Terence Adamson, another figure tied to the foundation, is associated with the Asia Foundation, which secured $240 million in U.S. government funding.
Further adding to the intrigue is the role of the Open Society Foundation (OSF), founded by billionaire George Soros. Among its many fellows is Arunima Bhargava, who also chaired the U.S. Commission on Religious Freedom—an entity that has consistently issued reports critical of India’s policies since 2020. The overlap among these organizations, their talking points, and their sources of funding suggests a well-coordinated effort to shape political discourse.
Beyond the U.S.: China’s Alleged Role
While much attention has been directed at American influence, India is not only dealing with one external player. In 2023, Microsoft released a report warning that China could use artificial intelligence to interfere in India’s elections. While the exact impact remains uncertain, the possibility of foreign actors—both state and non-state—manipulating Indian democracy is a growing concern.
The Real Issue: Safeguarding India’s Electoral Integrity
Amidst the political noise, the core issue remains clear: external forces, whether from the U.S., China, or elsewhere, should not have the power to influence India’s democratic process. Yet, the debate often shifts toward partisan politics—who benefited, rather than who is responsible.
Donald Trump’s motivations for cutting aid may be rooted in his own political agenda, aimed more at discrediting Joe Biden than at protecting Indian democracy. Regardless, India must take proactive measures to safeguard its electoral integrity. Stricter oversight on foreign-funded research organizations, greater transparency in political donations, and stronger digital defenses against misinformation campaigns are essential steps.
Instead of focusing on who gained from foreign meddling, India must ask a more critical question: Who is behind these efforts, and how can they be stopped?
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