Is the US interfering with Lok Sabha elections? Russia accuses America of disrespecting India, influencing democratic processes

Russia, on Wednesday, accused the United States of showing disrespect towards India, alleging interference in India's 2024 Lok Sabha elections and attempts to disrupt the country's internal political stability.

Speaking at a media briefing, Russian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova criticised the US for its report on religious freedom in India, suggesting a lack of understanding of India's national mentality and historical context.

Zakharova reportedly alleged that America continues to make “unfounded accusations” about religious freedoms in India and the reason (behind the US accusations) is to unbalance the internal political situation in India and complicate the general elections.

“They (the US) tried to unbalance the political situation in India in order to make it harder to have the general parliamentary elections. That is part of meddling into India's domestic affairs,” Zakharova was quoted as saying by The Times of India.

"Regular unfounded accusations by the United States against New Delhi of violating religious freedoms are a reflection of the United States' misunderstanding of the national mentality, the historical context of the development of the Indian state and disrespect for India as a state. I am sure that this also comes from the neocolonial mentality, the mentality of the colonial period, the period of the slave trade, and imperialism," she said, as quoted by ANI.

The report in question, drawn by the US Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF), raised concerns over India's purported infringements on religious freedom. It evoked a strong response from India’s Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), which denounced it as biased and part of a recurring pattern of anti-India propaganda.

Zakharova, in addition to criticising the US stance on religious freedom, also accused Washington of adopting a repressive attitude and failing to respect India's sovereignty. She suggested that such behaviour stems from America’s colonial mindset rooted in historical exploitation.

Furthermore, Zakharova addressed allegations against an Indian official regarding an alleged "assassination" plot targeting pro-Khalistan leader Gurpatwant Singh Pannun. The Washington Post had published a report implicating a Research and Analysis Wing (RAW) official in the purported assassination attempt on Pannun.

India's Ministry of External Affairs condemned the report as baseless and unverified, emphasising that the matter is under investigation. It also criticised the US media for publishing speculative and irresponsible information.

Zakharova weighed in on the situation, stating: “According to the information we have, Washington has not yet provided any reliable evidence of the involvement of Indian citizens in the preparation of the murder of a certain GS Pannun. Speculation on this topic in the absence of evidence is unacceptable.”

With accusations and counter-accusations flying between Russia and the US, tensions between the two over their respective stances on India's internal affairs continue to escalate. As India grapples with these external pressures, it will be a walk on the tightrope for the country as it attempts to maintain friendly diplomatic relationships with both global superpowers.

(With inputs from TOI)