Russia’s Concerns Over US Interference
Russia has accused the United States of attempting to interfere in India’s parliamentary elections and disrupt the internal political landscape of the country. Maria Zakharova, the Russian Foreign Ministry spokesperson, raised these claims during a recent media briefing. She emphasized that the US had not yet presented convincing evidence regarding the alleged involvement of Indian citizens in a thwarted murder plot against Khalistani separatist Gurpatwant Singh Pannun.
Critique of US Understanding on Religious Freedom
Zakharova highlighted the US’s report on religious freedom in India, criticizing the lack of understanding displayed towards India’s national mentality and history. She cited ongoing “unfounded accusations” by the US concerning religious freedoms, quoting RT News. According to Zakharova, these assertions are deemed disrespectful towards India.
Alleged US Intentions to Disrupt Indian Politics
Zakharova further expressed Russia’s viewpoint that the US’s accusations are aimed at unsettling India’s internal political stability and complicating the upcoming general elections. This sentiment was reinforced by recent reports from the US Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF), which criticized India for various alleged violations, calling for India and 16 other nations to be labeled as “countries of particular concern.”
Indian Response to US Allegations
In response to the USCIRF report, India’s Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) strongly denounced it as biased, accusing the USCIRF of perpetuating anti-India propaganda disguised within its annual report.
Refutation of US Allegations on Murder Plot
Zakharova dismissed US claims that an Indian intelligence official was involved in planning the assassination of Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, emphasizing that Washington had not provided credible evidence to support these allegations. She stressed that speculation without concrete evidence is unwarranted and unacceptable.
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