New Delhi — In a controversial statement, India’s ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has alleged that U.S. “deep state” elements are conspiring with political opponents in India to destabilize the country. The accusation, posted on the BJP’s official X account on Dec. 5, highlights claims of U.S. government funding for the Organized Crime and Corruption Reporting Project (OCCRP), a global investigative media outlet.
According to the BJP, OCCRP has unfairly targeted Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s government with stories on sensitive topics, including the use of spyware and allegations surrounding Indian billionaire Gautam Adani, a close ally of Modi. BJP spokesperson Sambit Patra reiterated the claims during a media briefing, though the Indian government has refrained from making formal remarks.
The U.S. Embassy in New Delhi criticized the BJP’s comments, stating it was “disappointing” for the ruling party to make such allegations and affirming U.S. support for press freedom. OCCRP has rejected the claims, emphasizing its editorial independence, while French media outlet Mediapart, cited by the BJP, accused the party of misrepresenting its reports.
The remarks arrive as New Delhi and Washington aim to deepen their partnership in security, technology, trade, and energy. Observers believe the BJP’s statements are part of a political campaign targeting opposition leader Rahul Gandhi and portraying him as complicit in foreign interference.
The accusations also appear to resonate with the rhetoric of U.S. President-elect Donald Trump, whose allies have similarly blamed the “deep state” for undermining their agenda. Analysts suggest the BJP’s comments may signal camaraderie with the incoming Trump administration, potentially aiming to reset the tone of U.S.-India relations.
While the BJP’s claims have drawn significant attention, bilateral ties between the U.S. and India remain strong, with shared interests in countering China and deepening economic cooperation. However, tensions over human rights, Sikh separatism, and recent U.S. policies—such as the indictment of Adani—continue to linger.
For now, the allegations underscore a potentially evolving dynamic in U.S.-India relations as both nations navigate domestic political changes and growing strategic imperatives.
