United States insists on banning Russian news channel, India resists

United States insists on banning Russian news channel, India resists

US urges India to ban Russian news channel RT, calling it a "propaganda machine." Despite concerns over RT's role in spreading misinformation and influencing elections, India is expected to resist the request due to its strategic relationship with Russia and its media policies.

Durgesh Dubey
18 Sep, 2024

United States

The United States has urged India to ban the Russian news channel RT, formerly known as Russia Today, labeling it a “propaganda machine” for Russian intelligence services. This request follows the US's own ban on RT, which was enacted due to concerns about its role in influencing American elections and spreading misinformation. Despite these allegations, India is unlikely to act on the request, considering its long-standing friendly relations with Russia and its stance on media censorship.

RT's ban in the US was prompted by fears that it played a part in manipulating public opinion during the 2016 US elections. American authorities have accused RT of being an arm of the Kremlin, deliberately disseminating disinformation to disrupt democratic processes not just in the US, but globally. US Secretary of State Antony Blinken has been a vocal critic, accusing RT of having "cyber-competence" that could undermine democratic institutions.

RT’s editor-in-chief, Margarita Simonyan, along with several other Russian journalists, has faced US sanctions, and two RT journalists were recently charged with aggravated assault. Blinken has called on nations worldwide to censor RT as part of an effort to limit its influence amid ongoing geopolitical tensions between Russia and the West, particularly following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.

In India, RT maintains a significant viewership, with its English-language content reaching a broad audience and its Hindi-language social media platform expanding its reach. RT has gained popularity in India and other regions by positioning itself as a counterbalance to Western media narratives. This growing presence has raised concerns in the West, especially in the US, which accuses RT of spreading false information to sway public opinion.

The Indian government has not officially responded to the US's request to ban RT. The Ministry of External Affairs has remained silent, reflecting India’s cautious approach to balancing relations with both the US and Russia. India has traditionally upheld strong ties with Russia, particularly in defense and energy sectors, making it unlikely to take a step that could jeopardize this relationship.

The US has branded RT as a “propaganda arm” of the Kremlin, with Blinken condemning it for broadcasting “nonsense news” aimed at disrupting global democratic processes. In contrast, Russia views RT as a necessary counter to Western media outlets like the BBC, which, despite being state-funded, is considered credible by the West. RT’s management defends its content, asserting that it provides an alternative perspective to the Western media narrative without engaging in nefarious activities.

India has not aligned with Western positions on the Ukraine war and has avoided joining sanctions against Moscow, citing national interests. Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova responded sarcastically to Blinken's comments, suggesting a new profession in the US for sanctioning Russia. India’s Ministry of External Affairs has indicated that the matter does not concern India, as reported by The Hindu.

Former Indian Foreign Secretary and RT contributor Kanwal Sibal criticized the US demand, reflecting India's opposition. Sibal argued that such demands are viewed as double standards by the Global South and that India is unlikely to yield to American pressure. While India follows UN-endorsed sanctions, it has consistently resisted unilateral measures to protect its national interests.