BJP claims conspiracy against India supports Trump amid deep state accusations

In early December 2024, the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in India made allegations that the U.S. State Department was involved in a conspiracy to destabilize the Indian government. This claim was aligned with notions of a 'deep state' and suggested cooperation between U.S. actors and India's political opposition. The BJP referenced an article from the French news outlet Mediapart, which highlighted funding relationships between the U.S. government and various investigative reporting initiatives, indicating possible biases toward the BJP and Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Senior party official Sambit Patra reiterated these allegations in a media briefing. The context for these allegations appears to stem from tensions between India and the United States regarding human rights and democracy. Observers note that the U.S. under Trump's administration might downplay these issues, which have been points of contention in U.S.-India relations. The BJP's framing of the U.S. as a conspirator could be a strategic move to consolidate support domestically by rallying nationalist sentiments against perceived foreign interference. Concurrently, major developments in neighboring Pakistan included the indictment of Faiz Hameed, a former head of the Inter-Services Intelligence, indicating a broader regional instability that India is keenly aware of. The Indian government has yet to formally comment on these allegations, allowing the BJP to control the narrative. The backlash from the BJP could be interpreted as a desire to shift focus from domestic criticisms, including those relating to governance and civil liberties, onto external influences. Their rhetoric suggests an attempt to strengthen ties with Trump's administration, amid worries over human rights critiques from the current U.S. administration. This is particularly significant considering the BJP’s previous criticisms of Western interventions in Indian domestic issues. While these accusations may serve immediate political aims, they could also complicate India’s foreign relations in the long term. If India continues to publicly espouse a belief in conspiracy theories regarding foreign interference, it could affect how international partners perceive India’s commitment to democratic principles, especially among nations that emphasize governance and accountability. The nature of diplomatic relationships between India and western countries may be put at risk, especially if Indo-U.S. relations do not stabilize following recent tensions. Hence, monitoring the unfolding consequences of the BJP’s accusations is crucial for understanding the future of India’s political landscape and international relations.