WASHINGTON: A recent report by The Washington Post has exposed covert operations orchestrated by the Narendra Modi-led Indian government to quash dissenting voices, both within and outside the country.
The revelations suggest the use of a disinformation lab, established in the US, to bolster Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s image while discrediting critics.
The disinformation lab, founded in mid-2020 by Lt Col Dibya Satpathy of India’s intelligence agency RAW, has allegedly been linking individuals and organizations critical of Modi to various Islamic or conspiracy groups. The lab reportedly published anti-Pakistan and pro-Modi reports, shaping international perceptions of India. Satpathy is said to have engaged with Western journalists under aliases, seeking favorable coverage of India and critical coverage of its perceived adversaries, namely Pakistan and China.
The disinfo lab’s activities have been brought to light through its accusations against US government officials, researchers, humanitarian groups, and Indian-American rights activists. It claims a conspiracy led by global Islamic groups and billionaire George Soros to undermine India. These allegations have been widely shared on social media by pro-Modi influencers, reached Indian news channels, and even found mention in the US Congress.
The Washington Post identified 35 Modi ministers, 14 government officials, and 61 paid Modi journalists among the 250 Twitter accounts disseminating these reports. The report highlights how these online propaganda campaigns extend beyond domestic aims, reaching far beyond India’s borders to influence global attitudes.
The findings of the report shed light on a broader trend, showcasing the expansion of online propaganda campaigns by the BJP and its allies. Beyond their traditional objectives of securing domestic support and undermining opposition parties, these campaigns are now aiming to shape international perceptions. The report also references incidents like Elon Musk’s claim of government pressure on Twitter to remove anti-Modi tweets, the raid on BBC offices for airing an anti-Modi documentary, and the suspension of Congress leader Rahul Gandhi’s parliamentary membership for criticizing Modi.
This exposé by The Washington Post follows previous revelations about social media operations by the Modi government and the BJP, exposing efforts to fuel Islamophobia through platforms like WhatsApp and Facebook. The report underscores the government’s concerted efforts to control narratives and suppress dissent, both nationally and internationally.
