Covert Indian operation targets critics of Modi in the US

The Washington Post has released an in-depth exposé on Disinfo Lab, an organisation implicated in disseminating posts that target and expose personal information of individuals in the US that are critical of the Modi government in India. These actions have instilled a sense of fear and panic among those who dare to criticise. Below, Hum News English provides a condensed overview of the story for our readers; the complete narrative can be accessed here.

NEW DELHI: Since 2020, a mysterious entity named the Disinfo Lab has been releasing extensive reports and social media content alleging revelations about the personal connections and financial backing of American critics of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi. This organisation has blended factual research with unverified assertions to portray U.S. government officials, researchers, humanitarian organisations, and Indian American activists as part of a conspiracy supposedly orchestrated by global Islamic groups and billionaire George Soros to undermine India.

IMF warns fragmentation of global economy could cut GDP by 7%

These accusations gained widespread traction on Indian social media, thanks to amplification by pro-Modi influencers who utilized the Disinfo Lab’s findings to validate their own viewpoints. Notably, the reports were cited on television by Indian officials, including present and former members of Modi’s Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), as well as former intelligence and military figures, and even presented on Capitol Hill. Despite its extensive influence, the Disinfo Lab maintains secrecy about its affiliation, describing itself on its website as a “separate legal entity” committed to “completely unbiased research.”

Contrary to its proclaimed independence, insiders reveal that the Disinfo Lab was established and is operated by an Indian intelligence officer, Lt. Col. Dibya Satpathy, aged 39, with a history of shaping international perceptions of India. The organisation, created in mid-2020, ostensibly aimed at uncovering anti-India disinformation, is, in reality, conducting a covert influence operation, according to those familiar with its establishment.

Sumit Ganguly, an expert on Indian diplomacy and national security, expressed concern, stating that if Indian intelligence is tarnishing American critics and civil society organisations, it would resemble KGB tactics during the Cold War and align with the Modi government’s approach to dissent, both domestically and abroad.

Responding to inquiries from The Post, the Disinfo Lab denied any association with government agencies or personnel and claimed to be impartial exposers, even criticising the ruling party. However, over the past five years, researchers have exposed extensive Indian online networks promoting BJP’s foreign policy positions on social media, with coordinated accounts supporting Russia and Israel.

In its 28 published reports, the Disinfo Lab consistently portrayed India as under attack by a vast “nexus” funded by Pakistani intelligence, the Muslim Brotherhood, and Soros. The organisation’s narrative implicated individuals like Rep. Pramila Jayapal, Indian American activists critical of Modi, and members of the US Commission on International Religious Freedoms.

A nearly 100-page dossier released by the Disinfo Lab targeted California-based activist Pieter Friedrich, accusing him of ties to the Sikh separatist movement and Pakistan’s premier intelligence agency. The organisation delved into state records to reveal Friedrich’s employment history, published his parents’ names, and created detailed graphs of his social media activity.

French immigration bill causes uproar

Analyzing the 250 most-followed accounts reposting Disinfo Lab content, The Post identified 35 current or former BJP officials, 14 government or military leaders, 61 journalists, authors, or thought leaders, and 140 influencers or content creators, including Indian and American right-wing ideologues. Ria Chakrabarty, a policy director for pro-pluralism Hindus for Human Rights, noted that lobbyists for US-based Hindu nationalist groups have disseminated Disinfo Lab dossiers in various forums.

Ria Chakrabarty, a policy director for pro-pluralism Hindus for Human Rights, a group critical of Modi, said lobbyists working for U.S.-based Hindu nationalist groups have disseminated Disinfo Lab dossiers in other venues as well.