Washington, The Washington Post has recently uncovered covert operations orchestrated by the Indian government, led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, aimed at suppressing critical voices. These operations have reportedly been targeting individuals and organizations both within India and abroad.
According to Kashmir Media Service, The Washington Post’s investigation reveals that the Indian government has been utilizing a disinformation lab in the United States. This lab, established in mid-2020 by Lt Col Dibya Satpathy of India’s intelligence agency RAW, is tasked with promoting Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s image while discrediting those who oppose him. The lab has been associating critics of Modi with various Islamic or conspiracy groups and has produced multiple reports that are predominantly anti-Pakistan and supportive of Modi’s policies.
The investigation further details Lt Col Satpathy’s efforts in shaping international perceptions of India. He is reported to have engaged with Western journalists under aliases, aiming to secure favorable coverage for India and critical coverage of its adversaries, Pakistan and China.
The Washington Post’s report also highlights the Disinfo Lab’s accusations against US government officials, researchers, humanitarian groups, and Indian-American rights activists. These groups are allegedly part of a conspiracy, purportedly led by global Islamic groups and billionaire George Soros, to undermine India. These claims have gained traction on social media, promoted by influencers who support Modi, and have even been presented in mainstream Indian news channels and the US Congress.
Significantly, the report identifies 250 Twitter accounts involved in disseminating these reports, including accounts belonging to 35 Modi ministers, 14 government officials, and 61 journalists known to support Modi. The Washington Post emphasizes the expanding scope of online propaganda campaigns by the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and its allies, noting that these efforts are now targeting audiences beyond India’s borders.
Additional references in the report include Elon Musk’s allegation that the Modi government pressured Twitter to remove anti-Modi tweets in January 2023, the raid on BBC offices in February 2023 following the airing of an anti-Modi documentary, and the suspension of Congress leader Rahul Gandhi’s parliamentary membership in March for his criticism of Modi.
The report concludes by noting previous global media exposés on the Modi government and the BJP’s social media operations. These operations have involved the creation of WhatsApp and Facebook groups designed to fuel Islamophobia.