The Four Corners documentary by Australian Broadcasting Channel (ABC) “Spies, secrets and threats: How the Modi regime targets people overseas” brings to light a troubling facet of modern geopolitical dynamics. It highlights how the Indian government, under Prime Minister Narendra Modi, extends its influence and surveillance beyond its borders, targeting critics and dissidents worldwide. This investigative piece underscores the lengths to which the regime goes to silence opposition, control narratives, and exert its influence on a global scale, raising profound questions about democracy, human rights, and the integrity of international relations.
One of the central themes of the documentary is the extensive surveillance and hacking operations aimed at critics of the Modi government. Activists, journalists, and academics, particularly those who vocally oppose Modi’s policies, find themselves under constant digital siege. The documentary details how sophisticated cyber-attacks, including phishing and malware, are deployed to infiltrate personal communications and steal sensitive information.
Prominent figures such as Aakar Patel, former head of Amnesty International India, and Ravi Nair, a journalist and researcher, recount their experiences of being targeted. Patel has faced legal harassment and travel restrictions, ostensibly as a reprisal for his human rights work, while Nair has endured digital surveillance and threats. These attacks are not merely inconveniences but deliberate attempts to undermine and silence dissenting voices.
Beyond digital surveillance, the Modi regime employs a range of tactics to intimidate and harass critics abroad. The documentary highlights how individuals receive anonymous threats, are doxxed (with their private information published online), and face coordinated harassment campaigns. For instance, Bhim Army Chief Chandrashekhar Azad, an activist advocating for Dalit rights, has been targeted for his outspoken stance against the government’s policies.
The regime’s approach to Sikh dissidents is particularly notable. Figures like Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, a lawyer and advocate for Khalistan, have faced significant harassment. Pannun, part of the Sikhs for Justice organization, which campaigns for a referendum on Khalistan, has been subjected to threats and surveillance. Similarly, Harinder Singh, another advocate for Sikh rights, has experienced intimidation. These actions reflect the government’s determination to suppress calls for Sikh autonomy and silence voices advocating for the Sikh diaspora.
The documentary delves into the broader strategy of infiltrating foreign political systems to influence local politics and policies. Pro-Modi groups within the Indian diaspora, particularly in countries like Australia, have established networks aimed at swaying political decisions and public opinion. These groups engage in lobbying activities, attempting to align Australian political discourse with Modi’s policies.
This infiltration raises serious concerns about foreign influence on Australian domestic politics. By leveraging the sizable Indian diaspora, these pro-Modi factions aim to create a favorable environment for Modi’s regime and discredit critics. This not only threatens the safety and freedom of individuals but also undermines the democratic processes and institutions of the host countries.
The documentary also sheds light on the role of digital platforms and social media in these efforts. Pro-Modi groups use these platforms to amplify their narratives and drown out dissenting voices. The creation of fake accounts, spread of propaganda, and coordination of online harassment campaigns complicate the information environment and challenge the principles of free speech and fair political discourse. The fear such campaigns have spread within the Sikh communities, specially, living inside and outside of India even is disturbingly high and alarming.
The making of the documentary itself was fraught with challenges and dangers, as experienced by the host and the investigative team. They faced significant pushback from pro-Modi factions, including digital harassment and legal threats aimed at obstructing their work and not allowing them to cover the elections calling the team of ABC “one of the most hostile foreign groups operating India”. The team encountered resistance from individuals and groups who sought to disrupt their investigation and prevent the dissemination of their findings. Additionally, the host and crew had to navigate a landscape of fear and mistrust among interviewees, many of whom were reluctant to speak on record due to fears of retribution from the Modi regime. These obstacles underscored the pervasive reach and influence of the Indian government’s efforts to suppress dissent, even extending to those attempting to document and expose these very actions. The host’s persistence and commitment to unveiling the truth amidst these adversities highlight the critical role of investigative journalism in holding powerful entities accountable.
The actions of the Modi regime have far-reaching implications for global democracy and human rights. The documentary highlights that India’s nefarious approach to dissent could embolden other governments to adopt similar tactics, leading to a global erosion of democratic freedoms. The use of sophisticated surveillance and intimidation tactics sets a dangerous precedent, where state-sponsored harassment becomes a tool to control narratives and suppress opposition worldwide. India has time and again proved itself deeply embedded in such practices of silencing minority voices.
Furthermore, the documentary calls attention to the responsibility of host countries in protecting their residents from foreign political interference. Countries like Australia must implement robust measures to safeguard democratic values and ensure that political lobbying and influence operations are transparent and accountable. This includes greater scrutiny of foreign influence within the diaspora and stronger protections against cyber-attacks and harassment.
The Four Corners documentary “Spies, secrets and threats: How the Modi regime targets people overseas” provides a sobering look at the lengths to which the Indian government will go to silence its critics. From sophisticated cyber-attacks to coordinated harassment campaigns, the regime’s tactics threaten the principles of democracy and human rights on a global scale. As the international community grapples with these challenges, it is imperative to uphold the integrity of democratic processes and protect the freedoms of individuals, ensuring that no government can operate with impunity beyond its borders.
Sehr Rushmeen, an Islamabad based freelance researcher, did her MPhil from National Defence University (NDU) in Strategic Studies, and her BSc from University of London (UOL) in International Relations. Her area of research interest is Strategic Nuclear Studies, Artificial Intelligence in Warfare, South China Sea and South Asian Politics. She tweets as @rushmeentweets and can be reached on sehrrushmeenwrites@gmail.com.
