The Trump administration took decisive action against the contentious United States Agency for International Development (USAID), including placing senior officials on leave, firing contractors, and implementing a broad freeze on foreign assistance. Elon Musk, who now leads the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), has called USAID a “criminal organization,” declaring that “it’s time for it to die” in a tweet on February 2nd. In response, the USAID website and its X account were shut down.
For years, USAID has been unofficially viewed as a tool of U.S. regime change operations. Established in the early 1960s to oversee humanitarian aid programs, USAID’s mission has often been entangled with covert activities involving regime change, secret funding, and undermining sovereign nations.
India has been a focal point for USAID’s efforts. In addition to direct financial aid, USAID has funded numerous projects and NGOs working internationally, some of which operate in India with the aim of undermining national and Hindu interests. For instance, the Atlantic Council, financed by USAID and backed by the U.S. “deep state,” launched a campaign using journalists and ‘fact-checkers’ to censor private messages on platforms like WhatsApp, in an attempt to weaken support for Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Notably, billionaire George Soros, who created a $1 billion fund to challenge nationalist leaders like Modi and Donald Trump, was also a major donor to this initiative.
The U.S. deep state, with its extensive influence, is like a complex web of interconnected interests. For example, credible sources suggest that USAID and the deep state have significant ties with the Indian National Congress, particularly through Sam Pitroda, a key mentor to Rahul Gandhi and the Congress overseas chair.
Over the years, USAID has managed large budgets for its initiatives, which have included supporting regime changes, promoting favorable governments, and destabilizing political leaders opposed by left-liberals. A significant portion of these activities has been funded by U.S. taxpayers, with the agency overseeing more than $40 billion in funding for the 2023 fiscal year—accounting for over a third of the Department of State’s budget for Foreign Operations and related programs.
As Trump and Musk’s DOGE intensify their scrutiny of USAID, more layers of previously hidden interference are coming to light. OpIndia reveals one particularly disturbing aspect—its role in efforts to convert Hindus in India to Christianity, with substantial financial backing from USAID.
World Vision presents itself as a secular organization focused on humanitarian efforts, claiming not to engage in proselytization or let its religious beliefs influence its partnerships or the children it serves. On its website’s FAQ section, the NGO asserts that recipients of its aid do not need to be Christian, and that proselytization is not part of its activities. World Vision India similarly states that while it is a Christian organization, its actions are driven solely by the love of Jesus Christ, without attempting to exploit the poor for conversions. Despite these claims, there is evidence to suggest that the organization’s activities may not align with its stated principles.
World Vision has received funding from USAID, which has been linked to efforts that some view as predatory proselytization disguised as humanitarian work. Many Christian missionary organizations, including World Vision, are accused of exploiting the vulnerabilities of the poor and marginalized to convert them to Christianity. The Hinduphobia Tracker, which tracks religiously motivated hate crimes against Hindus, defines “Proselytization by Inducement” as a form of religious conversion that involves exploiting an individual’s economic hardships—such as offering financial support, job opportunities, or medical care—in exchange for conversion.
World Vision’s mission statement offers further insight into its intentions. The statement on its website highlights the organization’s Christian identity and mission to “follow Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ,” promote human transformation, and “bear witness to the good news of the Kingdom of God.” The explicit goal of encouraging individuals to “respond to the Gospel” indicates that evangelism is central to its work, despite the organization’s claim of being non-proselytizing.
This contradiction was noted in a 2009 HuffPost article, which pointed out that World Vision Singapore’s mission statement acknowledges the commitment to disciple followers of Jesus Christ and spread the Gospel through service, words, and actions.
Additionally, the organization’s websites present a dichotomy. While wvi.org, the main website, claims a neutral stance, worldvision.org—access to which is blocked in India—clearly showcases World Vision’s proselytizing efforts, including a section dedicated to partnerships with churches. On this page, World Vision expresses its goal of mobilizing the church and spreading the Gospel beyond the church walls, a direct indication of proselytization efforts aimed at vulnerable communities. The website also lists several faith-based organizations involved in similar evangelical activities, especially targeting indigenous populations in India.
World Vision’s financial documents, such as the IRS Form 990 for the fiscal year ending 2023, further confirm the organization’s Christian identity and its classification as a church, reinforcing its missionary focus.
Reports from as early as 2002 and 2010, such as one by journalist S.K. Shashikumar, document World Vision’s proselytization efforts in India. In Gujarat, the organization conducted Bible schools and spiritual retreats for children and young people, while in Orissa, it helped local churches by organizing leadership training for pastors. In tribal areas like Gajapati and Bhil, World Vision has been actively involved in church development and community outreach, positioning itself as an evangelical force within these regions.
Despite its claims of neutrality, World Vision’s actions, financial affiliations, and mission statement suggest that proselytization remains a core component of its operations, particularly in regions like India, where it works among marginalized communities.
World Vision Advocacy: A Tool for U.S. Foreign Policy
Iain Buchanan, author of Armies of God: Study in Militant Christianity, argues that missionary organizations like World Vision are instrumental in advancing U.S. foreign policy goals. In a 2018 interview with DNA, Buchanan emphasized that the U.S. government strategically utilizes Christian organizations to serve its foreign policy interests. He claimed that the line between religious and secular efforts is intentionally blurred, with over 600 U.S.-based evangelical groups forming a vast, highly organized network targeting non-Christians globally.
Buchanan further asserted that World Vision functions as an extension of the U.S. State Department, alongside other major evangelical organizations such as Campus Crusade, Youth with a Mission, and Samaritan’s Purse. He suggested that these partnerships are not only aligned with U.S. interests but also receive support through specific legislation like the International Religious Freedom Act of 1998.
Given what we now know about USAID’s operations, World Vision’s receipt of billions in funding, its proselytizing activities in countries like India, and the U.S. Department of State’s involvement in regime-change operations, Buchanan’s 2018 claims seem increasingly accurate.
World Vision has been involved in lobbying efforts as well. According to its latest IRS filing, the organization spent over $180,000 on lobbying, particularly around elections, and has direct connections with government officials and legislators. This adds further weight to the argument that World Vision’s advocacy efforts are deeply tied to influencing U.S. foreign policy, particularly in areas related to foreign aid and Christian missionary activities. World Vision Advocacy itself states its goal is to influence U.S. foreign assistance policy, driven by Christian faith. If its advocacy targets foreign aid policy in the U.S. with a Christian agenda, this suggests the organization’s efforts are centered on expanding Christianity both within and outside the U.S. With billions in funding from USAID directed to Christian organizations, coupled with its classification as a church by the IRS, it is clear that World Vision is less a humanitarian entity and more an arm of U.S. foreign policy.
World Evangelical Alliance: A Key Partner of World Vision
World Vision partners with several faith-based organizations in its humanitarian efforts, including the World Evangelical Alliance (WEA). The WEA’s own mission statement reveals its theological goals, aiming to establish Christianity worldwide. Its statement, “A healthy Church for every people. The shalom of God for every nation,” reflects its mission to spread the gospel and create a global Christian “kingdom.”
The WEA is governed by an International Council made up of regional representatives, one of whom is Dr. Snehal Pinto, director of Ryan International Schools in India. Ryan International has faced scrutiny for alleged involvement in proselytizing activities. In 2017, the tragic murder of a student at a Ryan International school highlighted concerns about the school’s strict religious practices, including the forced promotion of Christianity. A former student accused the school of replacing educational displays with Bible verses, removing Hindu symbols, and pressuring students to sing hymns in extreme weather conditions.
Dr. Pinto’s association with WEA adds to concerns about the evangelical nature of World Vision’s partners, particularly in India, where the conversion efforts of such organizations are a significant issue.
The WEA’s Evangelical Mission
Thomas Schirrmacher, the CEO of the WEA, has been open about the organization’s evangelical goals. Schirrmacher has expressed that religious freedom includes the right to convert others, and that the WEA’s mission is not to promote world peace, but to create a space for Christian witness in a diverse world. In 2021, the WEA signed an agreement with one of the largest Muslim organizations, agreeing to attempt to convert Muslims without causing conflict. This further affirms that proselytizing is central to WEA’s mission, and by extension, World Vision’s.
In 2008, WEA admitted to engaging in proselytism, stating that its “Mission Commission” is focused on spreading Christianity. The WEA’s 2023 forecast also reiterates its goal of converting more people to Christianity and increasing its global influence. This includes endorsing practices like “Yeshu Yeshu” in India, where Hinduism is appropriated for forced conversions.
With WEA’s clear evangelical objectives and its partnership with World Vision, it’s evident that conversion to Christianity and spreading the gospel among the “vulnerable” are central to the operations of both organizations, even though they often present themselves as humanitarian entities.
Behind the Facade of a ‘Humanitarian Organization’: World Vision’s Alleged Links to Hamas
World Vision, often presented as a humanitarian organization, has been embroiled in serious allegations regarding its financial support of Hamas, a designated terrorist group responsible for the October 7 attacks in Gaza. These attacks led to the deaths of over 1,200 Israelis and the kidnapping of more than 200 individuals. The accusations against World Vision come in the context of its Gaza operations, particularly the actions of Mohammad El-Halabi, the organization’s Gaza manager.
In 2021, the Israeli Registrar of Non-Profits filed a petition to dissolve a local branch of World Vision, citing allegations of financial mismanagement and terror financing. After an extensive investigation, the Registrar concluded that World Vision had failed to carry out its claimed humanitarian efforts and instead had diverted funds, including to Hamas. The case centers on allegations that El-Halabi directed $50 million in aid meant for humanitarian projects to Hamas. While World Vision’s Australian branch denied these accusations, insisting on proper financial oversight, an independent audit revealed concerning discrepancies. The audit showed unclear financial transactions, multiple bank accounts, and payments to individuals whose activities were not in line with the organization’s declared humanitarian missions. Furthermore, checks from the non-profit were found in the possession of Hamas operatives.
In addition to the Hamas allegations, World Vision has been connected to other controversial activities. According to Sam Westrop of the Middle East Forum, World Vision also assisted in directing funds to the Islamic Relief Agency, a Sudanese organization with known ties to Osama bin Laden. USAID reportedly funded this organization with $125,000, despite the fact that the group had been designated as a terrorist entity. USAID officials were allegedly aware of this designation. Westrop’s claim underscores a broader issue of oversight failures, with the Israeli Registrar concluding that World Vision was either negligent in its financial oversight or complicit in diverting funds to terror groups.
World Council of Churches and World Vision’s Partnership: Links to Extremist Groups
The World Council of Churches (WCC), another key partner of World Vision, has also been linked to controversial organizations and individuals. The WCC describes itself as a fellowship of churches dedicated to unity in Christ and advancing Christian missions globally. However, its partnerships, including with organizations like Bread for the World, raise questions about the funding of groups with potential links to radical or separatist elements.
One such example involves Harsh Mander, an Indian activist with ties to groups that have been associated with separatist and extremist activities in India. Bread for the World, funded by the WCC, has supported Mander’s initiatives, which have drawn criticism for promoting divisive ideologies. These connections highlight concerns about the broader networks within which World Vision operates, raising questions about the nature of its partnerships and the ideological underpinnings of some of its affiliated organizations.
The World Council of Churches (WCC) is funded by several governments worldwide, either directly or indirectly. According to NGO Monitor, one of the largest contributors to WCC is Bread for the World, a German-based NGO.
In 2018, a report titled “Amarnath Yatra: A Militarized Pilgrimage” was released, undermining the Hindu faith. Reports found it was published by the Jammu Kashmir Coalition of Civil Society (JKCCS) in collaboration with Equitable Tourism Options (Equations), based in Bangalore. The report had links to Islamist groups, Urban Naxals, and Christian organizations, including Bread for the World.
Equations, which co-published the report, has received significant funding from Bread for the World in the past. The NGO focuses on non-exploitative tourism and advocates for democracy in decision-making processes. Their funding records reveal substantial contributions from Bread for the World and Misereor. In 2018 alone, Equations received over Rs. 26 lakhs from Bread for the World and more than Rs. 24 lakhs from Misereor.
Bread for the World describes itself as a collective Christian voice, working towards ending world hunger. The organization has close ties with evangelical churches and partners with other organizations like Oxfam. In India, it funds several NGOs, including the South Central India Network for Development Alternatives (SCINDeA), which focuses on marginalized groups like tribals and Dalits, and the Rongmei Naga Baptist Association (RNBA), which runs a theological seminary.
One of the most significant recipients of funding from Bread for the World is the Centre for World Solidarity (CWS), which promotes a rights-based approach to governance and human rights. Bread for the World also contributes to the Socio-Legal Information Center (SLIC), including its Human Rights Law Network (HRLN). HRLN is involved in multiple human rights causes, including the defense of Rohingya refugees, and has supported controversial issues such as the abolition of sedition laws.
Harsh Mander, a prominent social activist, also has links with Bread for the World. After leaving the Indian Administrative Service (IAS), Mander became active in civil society organizations and is currently the director of the Centre for Equity Studies (CES), which has received funding from Christian evangelical groups, including Bread for the World. Mander has been involved in various contentious causes, such as advocating for religious conversions, opposing the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA), and supporting controversial figures like Ishrat Jahan and Yakub Memon.
Mander’s organization, Karwaan-e-Mohabbat, published a misleading report on violence at Aligarh Muslim University, which was later debunked. Mander was also involved in protests against the CAA and was part of a group that supported the Delhi anti-Hindu riots. His close associations with foreign-funded NGOs have raised concerns about external influence in India’s domestic affairs.
Other NGOs funded by Bread for the World include INSAF, which also opposed the CAA and contributed to sentiments leading up to the Delhi riots. Additionally, Bread for the World has ties with USAID, with USAID administrator Samantha Power praising the organization in recent months.
In 2024, the National Council of Churches in India (NCCI), affiliated with WCC, condemned the Uttar Pradesh government’s proposed anti-conversion bill. This bill aims to further strengthen anti-conversion laws, which have been a point of contention for organizations like the World Evangelical Alliance (WEA), which criticized India’s anti-conversion laws at the UN.
WEA, which also maintains close ties with WCC, misrepresented the violence in Manipur, claiming it was aimed at Christian Kukis when, in reality, the majority of the violence targeted the Hindu Meitei community. Additionally, WEA has previously vilified Hindus and the BJP government, especially in Karnataka, which was ruled by the BJP in 2012.
In 2023, Jayakumar Christian, CEO of World Vision India, expressed support for controversial figures such as Stan Swamy, a suspected Urban Naxal involved in the Bhima Koregaon violence. He also made alarming statements about introducing Hindus to Jesus Christ, showcasing a divisive religious agenda.
World Vision India, funded by USAID and Bread for the World, came under scrutiny when the Modi government suspended its Foreign Contribution Regulation Act (FCRA) license in 2022. While left-wing narratives framed the suspension as an attack on an organization helping the poor, the government’s decision was based on concerns about World Vision India’s religious activities and foreign influence under the guise of humanitarian work.
Chronology of Actions Against World Vision:
Tax Audit and Assessments Background:
In the fiscal year 2016-17, the Income Tax Department (IT Department) initiated a Special Audit under Section 142(2A) of the Income Tax Act, 1961 for the Assessment Year (AY) 2014-15 (Financial Year 2013-14). On July 31, 2017, the Society received a demand notice under Section 156 of the Act, requiring payment of INR 101.92 crores, based on the IT Department’s evaluation of allowable expenses. The Society appealed on August 24, 2017, pointing out legal and factual mistakes in the IT Department’s assessment. To prevent being categorized as an “assessee in default,” the Society paid INR 10 crores as part of the tax demand.
Direct Bank Deductions and Additional Tax Demands:
In February 2018, the IT Department initiated direct deductions of 20% of the total tax demand from the Society’s bank accounts as part of enforcement action.
Assessment for the Year 2017-18 (Financial Year 2016-17):
On December 24, 2019, the Deputy Commissioner of Income Tax (Exemptions) issued an order under Section 143(3), calculating a payable tax of INR 31.39 crores. A demand notice was issued under Section 156, stipulating payment within 30 days or an appeal within 60 days. The Society filed an appeal on January 18, 2020, challenging legal and factual errors in the IT Department’s findings. To avoid the risk of being deemed an “assessee in default,” the Society made a payment of INR 1.56 crores as part of the tax demand.
Assessment for the Year 2018-19 (Financial Year 2017-18):
On September 14, 2021, the Additional/Joint/Deputy/Assistant Commissioner of Income Tax issued an order under Section 143(3), determining a payable tax of INR 5 crores. A demand notice under Section 156 required payment within 30 days or an appeal within 60 days. The Society paid INR 5 crores to avoid being categorized as an “assessee in default” and also filed a writ petition in the Madras High Court, contesting legal errors in the IT Department’s order.
Assessment for the Year 2021-22 (Financial Year 2020-21):
On December 30, 2022, the Income Tax Department’s Assessment Unit issued an order under Section 143(3), calculating a payable tax of INR 9.99 crores. A demand notice was issued under Section 156, requiring payment within 30 days or an appeal within 60 days. The Society filed a writ petition in the Madras High Court, arguing legal errors in the IT Department’s assessment. The Madras High Court granted an interim stay on the assessment order and tax demand.
Allegations Against World Vision:
According to some sources, the Modi government canceled World Vision’s FCRA (Foreign Contribution Regulation Act) license due to alleged involvement in illegal conversion activities in India. The cancellation of the license effectively halted the flow of hundreds of crores being funneled into India for religious conversion, particularly targeting Hindus, a practice allegedly carried out by World Vision since its establishment in 1951.
In conclusion, the World Vision International, as reported by Congress, has received billions of dollars from USAID, with nearly $2 billion provided over the span of 10 years. As one of the largest recipients of USAID funds, World Vision India received hundreds of crores annually from this U.S. government-backed funding. Despite presenting itself as a humanitarian organization, World Vision has been accused of using its resources to promote Christian fundamentalism and convert Hindus, particularly targeting vulnerable groups such as women and children.
Operating in India since 1951, World Vision has reportedly been involved in conversion activities for over 70 years. In 2024, the Indian government revoked its FCRA license, significantly disrupting its activities in the country. Although USAID funding has been frozen, there are concerns that such organizations might seek alternative funding sources or renewed support through other channels from the U.S. government.
(With inputs from OpIndia)
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