A growing number of so-called independent journalists in India have come under scrutiny for their ties to foreign funding, particularly from the United States Agency for International Development (USAID). These individuals hailed as champions of free speech and independent reporting, are alleged to be receiving financial support from foreign entities like USAID, which has a vested interest in shaping narratives around climate change, environmental issues, and politics. As investigations reveal, many of these journalists write for media outlets that align with certain political ideologies and promote controversial views, often raising questions about their objectivity and the true intent behind their work.
The Role of USAID in Funding Environmental Reporting
USAID has been quietly funding journalism programs through entities such as the Earth Journalism Network (EJN), aimed at strengthening environmental journalism. While the funding appears to target climate change and wildlife conservation, it also raises concerns about how these programs are used to influence narratives that serve foreign interests.
The journalists in question are often seen writing for well-known media outlets like The Wire, Al Jazeera, and Mongabay India, which are known for their critical stance on the Indian government and its policies. By offering fellowships and funding opportunities, USAID is able to fund individuals who produce content that aligns with its own geopolitical objectives. Let’s take a closer look at some of these individuals and the organisations they contribute to.
Aathira Perincheri: The Environmental Journalist with a Political Agenda
Aathira Perincheri, an environmental journalist from Kerala, writes for reputable platforms like The Hindu, The Wire, and Mongabay-India. Though her work primarily focuses on wildlife conservation and communities, the funding from organisations connected to USAID raises questions about whether her environmental reporting is a front for a broader political agenda. Her association with USAID-backed entities calls into question the neutrality of her reporting.
Aishwarya Tripathi: The Young Journalist with NFI Ties
Aishwarya Tripathi, a journalist from Lucknow, was chosen as a fellow by the National Foundation for India (NFI) in 2021. NFI, which also receives funding from USAID, has been instrumental in supporting journalists who write for left-leaning platforms like The Wire and Al Jazeera. Tripathi’s work has focused on social justice issues, often reflecting perspectives that align with the narratives promoted by foreign-funded outfits, thus raising doubts about her supposed independence.
Aradhna Wal: The Grit Fellow with Strong Foreign Connections
Aradhna Wal’s involvement in The Wire’s #Grit fellowship in early 2019 further illustrates the deepening connections between Indian journalists and foreign-funded programs. As a self-proclaimed independent journalist, Wal’s reporting often aligns with narratives critiquing the Indian government, making her contributions to foreign-backed platforms seem less like unbiased journalism and more like propaganda supported by foreign funds.
Wahid Bhat: A Journalist with Award-Winning Ties to USAID
Wahid Bhat, a Jammu and Kashmir-based environmental journalist, has been recognised with awards from organisations like NFI and the Thomson Reuters Foundation, both of which have ties to USAID. His work is widely published in national and international outlets, and his environmental reporting, though essential, is often interwoven with political narratives that suit foreign interests, casting doubt on his supposed objectivity.
Shaba Manzoor: A Journalist with a Foreign Agenda
Shaba Manzoor has been actively contributing to various platforms such as Inkstick Media, IJNet, Village Square, Article 14, and The Mojo Story. These outlets are often funded by foreign entities like USAID, which raises concerns about her independence as a journalist. Manzoor’s involvement with such platforms hints at a potential bias, as these organisations have a history of supporting particular political ideologies that align with Western interests. Her writing typically revolves around issues such as human rights, governance, and minority rights in India, but the ideological slant towards Western critiques of the Indian government is often evident. This association with foreign-backed organisations calls into question the true independence of her reporting and whether external agendas are influencing her journalism.
Sibi Arasu: A Radical Critic of Hindutva and Modi’s Policies
Sibi Arasu, an independent journalist, has expressed his strong views against Hindutva and the current political regime in India. He has written for numerous international and Indian outlets, including National Geographic, BBC, The New Internationalist, The Wire, and Mongabay. Arasu has been vocal about his support for the anti-CAA protests and has used his platform to challenge the Modi government. His tweets, which liken India’s current political atmosphere to Nazi Germany, clearly reflect a radical stance. He has openly advocated for the removal of Hindutva from India’s political landscape, positioning himself against the ruling party’s ideology. His criticisms, often aired on foreign-funded platforms, raise questions about whether his reporting is an expression of personal ideology or part of a broader international agenda.
Makepeace Sitlhou: Controversial Humour and Radical Views
Makepeace Sitlhou, an independent journalist covering India’s Northeast, has courted controversy with her provocative humour and bold political stance. Her work has been published in prominent global outlets such as The Washington Post, BBC Vice, Al Jazeera, and CNN. Sitlhou is known for making inappropriate and controversial comments about religious figures, as seen in her tweet mocking Lord Ram. Such statements, along with her support for Naxalism and her use of vulgar jokes about sensitive issues like beef, paint a picture of a journalist whose views align with radical leftist ideologies. Her writing for platforms funded by USAID raises concerns about the impartiality of her reporting. It’s important to question whether her content is genuinely independent or if it’s influenced by the ideological agendas of the organisations backing her.
Tarushi Aswani: Propaganda in the Name of Journalism
Tarushi Aswani, a freelance journalist from New Delhi, has written extensively for a range of international and national outlets such as Al Jazeera, The Wire, Foreign Policy, The Diplomat, and The Christian Science Monitor. Aswani’s reporting often touches on sensitive issues like Kashmir, Hinduism, and India’s political landscape. Her articles, such as those accusing the Modi government of using Bollywood to promote Hindu nationalism, reflect a critical stance against the current regime. Aswani’s portrayal of the government’s actions in Kashmir, coupled with her frequent contributions to USAID-funded platforms, paints a picture of a journalist whose work may be driven by a foreign-backed agenda. Her coverage often echoes narratives aligned with international critiques of India’s domestic policies, raising questions about the objectivity of her reporting.
Coordinated Effort of Leftist Outfits
All of these journalists, despite their claims of independence, share a common thread: they often align themselves with leftist, anti-national narratives. Their work is regularly featured on platforms like The Wire, Al Jazeera, and others, all of which are known for their anti-government, anti-Hindutva stance. The overlap of funding from USAID and its associated organisations, alongside their ideological leanings, illustrates the coordinated effort between foreign-funded organisations and Indian journalists. These connections raise serious questions about the true motivations behind their reporting.
Propaganda Machine Behind Independent Journalism
The ties between USAID, foreign-funded organisations, and a network of self-proclaimed “independent” journalists in India reveal a larger strategy of geopolitical influence through media. While environmental and climate change reporting are legitimate concerns, the funding behind these stories often comes with strings attached. By supporting journalists who espouse radical left-wing ideologies and critique the Indian government, USAID and its affiliates continue to shape narratives that serve foreign interests.
(The story is based on a thread by vijay patel on X)
