National News World

Rahul Gandhi, Ravish Kumar, Zubair, And NED: The Controversial Links To U.S.-Backed “Democracy” Efforts

February 18, 2025
The Commune

In a significant move, the Trump administration has halted funding to the National Endowment for Democracy (NED), a U.S.-based organization established in 1983 under former President Ronald Reagan. The NED, which claims to promote democracy worldwide, has long been accused of engaging in regime change operations and interfering in the internal affairs of foreign nations. It is alleged that the organization has been used as a tool for advancing U.S. geopolitical interests under the guise of democracy promotion.

NED’s Controversial History

Founded during the Cold War to counter communist influence, the NED has been linked to political upheavals in several countries, including Ukraine and Bangladesh. Governments in Russia and China have banned the organization, citing its role in destabilizing regimes. In India, the NED has been under scrutiny for its alleged involvement in funding media training programs, NGOs, and journalists critical of the government.

The organization’s board of directors includes prominent figures like Victoria Nuland, a former U.S. Deputy Secretary of State known for her involvement in regime change operations. Nuland’s association with the NED has raised suspicions about the organization’s true motives, particularly in regions like South Asia and Eastern Europe.

Allegations Of Media Manipulation In India

The NED has been accused of indirectly funding left-leaning media outlets and journalists in India. One of its beneficiaries is Reporters Without Borders, an organization that releases annual press freedom rankings. Critics argue that these rankings often portray India in a negative light, with questionable comparisons such as ranking Afghanistan above India in terms of press freedom.

The NED has also been linked to prominent left-leaning Indian journalists and media organizations. Ravish Kumar, a former NDTV anchor known for his anti-national views as well as critical views of the BJP-led central government, was awarded the Independence Prize by an NED-funded organization. Similarly, The Print, a digital news platform founded by Shekhar Gupta, received an award from the International Press Institute, which is supported by the NED and George Soros’ Open Society Foundation.

Fact-checker Mohammad Zubair, co-founder of Alt News, was also recognized by the NED-funded Index on Censorship. Zubair, who has been vocal about press freedom in India, has often been at odds with the government, leading to allegations that the NED is promoting anti-establishment narratives in the country.

Political Connections And Deep State Allegations

The NED’s influence is said to extend beyond media to political figures. In 2023, Congress scion Rahul Gandhi delivered a lecture at Stanford University at the invitation of Larry Diamond, a senior consultant at the NED and a vocal critic of the Modi government. Diamond, who has described India as “no longer a democracy,” has long been associated with the NED and its affiliated organizations.

Gandhi’s decision to speak at Stanford on Diamond’s invitation has fueled speculation about his ties to the so-called “deep state.” Critics have accused Gandhi of aligning with foreign entities to undermine the Indian government, though no concrete evidence has been presented to support these claims.

The Trump administration’s decision to cut funding to the NED has sent shockwaves through the organization and its beneficiaries. With its financial lifeline severed, the NED’s ability to continue its operations is in doubt. Observers predict a similar fate for other U.S.-backed initiatives, particularly those perceived as tools for foreign interference.

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