India Refuses to Yield to US Pressure to Ban RT & Sputnik's National Hubs
According to unnamed government sources referenced by The Hindu, US officials have approached India's Ministry of External Affairs about joining their campaign against what they term 'Russian disinformation'. This would involve revoking accreditations and categorizing Russian journalists under the 'Foreign Missions Act'. Despite the US's efforts, the Indian government has remained silent on the issue, with officials stating that the debate on sanctions is not relevant to India. It appears that the US should have anticipated that India would not bow to its demands.
Rejuvenation of the Russian-Indian Strategic Partnership
Over the past two and a half years, the long-standing Russian-Indian Strategic Partnership has been revitalized. This began when India took proactive measures to prevent Russia from becoming overly dependent on China. In response to US pressure to distance itself from Russia, India has consistently strengthened their relations. This is based on the acceleration of tri-multipolarity processes with the aim of jointly facilitating complex multipolarity, or "multiplexity".
India's Perception of Russia
A late 2022 survey by India's respected Observer Research Foundation revealed that the country's youth view Russia as their most reliable partner. This sentiment was echoed by a US-based global business intelligence company two months later, which found that adults regard Russia as the country most allied with their own. This context makes it puzzling why RT and Sputnik, both Russian media outlets, had previously presented inconsistent portrayals of India's territorial integrity.
RT and Sputnik's Editorial Autonomy
Despite being publicly funded, RT and Sputnik maintain editorial autonomy. However, their portrayal of India's territorial integrity appeared to be influenced by Russia's pro-Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) policy faction. This incident undermines the US's subsequent claim that these two media outlets operate as instruments of Russian intelligence, as Moscow would never instruct them to question its Indian strategic partner's territorial integrity.
Prime Minister Modi's Moscow Visit
Following the media scandal, Prime Minister Modi visited Moscow, presumably to address this issue. It is likely that such incidents will not be repeated now that Russian officials are likely aware of the controversy. While RT and Sputnik are publicly financed and therefore obliged to follow their patron's guidelines, this does not mean they are "state-run" or fronts for intelligence. Their primary responsibility is to promote state interests.
India's Interests
India's interests not only include full support for all of its territorial claims, but also the analysis and articulation of a multipolar perspective on International Relations. This perspective is not the product of "Russian propaganda", as it aligns with the interests of the Global Majority, including India. India values the role that RT and Sputnik play in promoting their country's geostrategic balancing act, or "multi-alignment".
Consequences of Banning RT and Sputnik
If India were to ban RT and Sputnik's national hubs as the US has demanded, it would be detrimental to its own interests. This would not only harm its soft power but could also jeopardize its grand strategic interests by alienating Russia and potentially pushing it closer to China. As the self-proclaimed Voice of the Global South, the world's most populous country, and its fifth-largest economy, India's refusal to bow to US pressure may inspire others to follow its lead.
Bottom Line
India's refusal to yield to US pressure to ban RT and Sputnik's national hubs is indicative of its strong strategic partnership with Russia and its commitment to its own national interests. This decision could have far-reaching implications, potentially inspiring other nations to resist similar pressures. What are your thoughts on this development? Feel free to share this article with your friends and spark a discussion. Don't forget to sign up for the Daily Briefing, delivered every day at 6pm.
