The US Embassy in India announced an event for Indian social media influencers and content creators to learn about boosting social media engagement on social issues and active citizenship. The “Influence to Impact” event, scheduled for 25th July, features YouTuber “DeshBhakt” Akash Banerjee. He is notorious for his leftist and anti-BJP rhetoric. While the event may appear innocuous, the choice of Banerjee hints at a more sinister agenda of meddling in India’s internal political discourse.
Subtle Interference of the US Embassy
The US Embassy’s promotional content for the event states:
This raises an obvious question. Why is the US Embassy interested in promoting ‘active citizenship’ among Indians? Is it their role to shape public opinion on India’s internal issues? The event reeks of an attempt to influence Indian politics subtly, leveraging social media and Indian content creators who are critical of the Modi government.
Repeated Patterns of Propaganda by US Embassy
This is not the first time the US Embassy in India has promoted leftist and anti-BJP figures. Last year, the Embassy endorsed controversial radio jockey Sayema Rahman for Women’s History Month, sparking outrage due to her anti-Hindu and Islamist views. Despite the backlash, the Embassy continues to promote controversial leftist personalities, raising concerns about a pattern of political interference.
A Questionable Choice: Akash Banerjee US Embassy
The choice of Akash Banerjee, who has trivialized serious issues like the brutality suffered by rape victim Nirbhaya to push his anti-BJP agenda, is alarming. The repeated endorsement of such figures suggests an intent to harness the power of social media to groom Indian influencers into promoting narratives aligned with US interests. This raises the question of whether the US is truly interested in ‘meaningful change’ or merely in manipulating public opinion for its geopolitical gains.
The US’s History of Meddling
The US has a history of meddling in the internal affairs of various countries, including India. Over the past few years, the US has faced allegations of interfering in political affairs and elections in India, Bangladesh, and other nations. US government bodies have issued biased reports on human rights, hate speech, and minorities in India, often relying on leftist propaganda sources. Moreover, the US government has directly intervened in India’s domestic policy issues under the guise of raising ‘deep concerns.’
Direct Interference in Policy Matters
A prime example of this was when the US State Department issued statements supporting the farmers’ protests against the three farm laws in India. The Modi government deemed this as unwarranted interference in India’s internal policy matters. US lawmakers have also raised concerns during the 2019 anti-CAA protests and criticized the abrogation of Article 370 in Jammu and Kashmir.
Eric Garcetti’s Pontifications
US Ambassador to India, Eric Garcetti, has repeatedly made comments on India’s domestic issues. Recently, Garcetti criticized the Indian government over the Manipur violence and even threatened ties with Western powers over PM Modi’s visit to Russia. Such remarks reflect the US’s discomfort with India’s assertion of strategic autonomy under Modi’s leadership, preferring a weaker government more susceptible to US influence.
New Tactics for Influence
As direct measures have largely failed to deter the Modi government, the US administration appears to be exploring new tactics to subtly influence opinions in India and other countries without appearing overtly interventionist.
Recruiting “Fact-Checkers”
Beyond promoting leftist propagandists, the US Embassy in India has launched a $200,000 project to recruit and train “fact-checkers.” This “Empowering Media Savvy Youth” project claims to combat “external influences” and reinforce regional security.
Would the US government accept similar initiatives by the Indian Embassy in the US to promote media literacy and critical thinking?
The Biden Administration’s Digital Manipulation
Using social media and influencers has become a staple of narrative-building strategies, especially during elections. The Biden administration has reportedly paid influencers to build a favorable narrative ahead of the presidential elections. The Democratic National Committee has enlisted approximately 150 influencers. They have to promote pro-Biden content across platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube. The influencers are being paid over $1 million.
The Role of the CIA US Embassy
The American intelligence agency CIA has also increasingly utilized social media and pop culture to influence public opinion. It is both domestically and internationally. This shift aligns with the evolving digital landscape. Social media platforms dominate information dissemination and influence.
The Perils of Neo-Colonialism
The US Embassy and its nefarious actions in India reflect a broader pattern of neo-colonial behavio. The US should respect India’s sovereignty and refrain from meddling in its internal matters!