Russia alleges US destabilisation plot during Indian elections
Russia accuses the US of meddling in India's elections, while India rejects allegations of a plot to assassinate a terrorist.
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Russia has accused the US of trying to mess with India's elections. They claim the US is criticising India for religious freedom issues to destabilise the Lok Sabha Polls. Maria Zakharova, a spokesperson for the Russian foreign ministry, said the US doesn't get India's culture and is making baseless claims about religious freedom.
Zakharova thinks the US is disrespecting India by meddling in its internal affairs. She believes the US wants to mess up India's political situation. This comes after a US commission slammed India for religious freedom violations and suggested labelling India as a ‘Country of Particular Concern.’
The international relations between Russia, the US, and India have been strained as Russia accuses the US of meddling in India's elections. The report criticised India's ruling party for enforcing laws that discriminate against minorities, leading to tension between the nations. Additionally, strict monitoring of media and NGOs reporting on minority issues was highlighted. India's Ministry of External Affairs condemned the US commission for allegedly interfering in India's elections and spreading propaganda.
The ministry's spokesperson, Randhir Jaiswal, labelled the commission biassed with a political agenda. He said they don't understand India's diverse and democratic values. Jaiswal believes the commission's efforts won't affect India's elections.
Russia also dismissed allegations of an Indian official being involved in a plot to assassinate a terrorist. They criticised a report by The Washington Post that linked an Indian intelligence officer to the plot. Zakharova slammed the US, calling it a ‘repressive regime’ and said the report was baseless. Amidst accusations of election interference, tensions between the US and Russia escalate further.
India's External Affairs Ministry rebuffed The Washington Post's report, labelling it speculative and irresponsible. They stressed that the matter, allegedly involving political influence, is under investigation and lacks evidence to substantiate the claims.