Senior advocate and former Solicitor General of India Harish Salve has alleged that India is facing a coordinated campaign of external pressure, warning that recent unrest and political developments in the region may not be entirely organic. In remarks that have sparked debate, Salve suggested that foreign funding and overseas influence could be playing a role in efforts to destabilise the country.
Speaking in an interview with IANS, Salve said he believed certain protests and disturbances should be viewed through a broader geopolitical lens. According to him, there are signs that external actors may be attempting to shape political narratives and influence events within India.
Salve, one of India’s most prominent legal figures, argued that developments in neighbouring countries such as Bangladesh, Nepal and Sri Lanka point to a wider pattern of foreign intervention. Referring to the political changes in Bangladesh, he questioned whether recent shifts in leadership across the region were purely domestic developments.
“I believe foreign funding is being provided for these efforts and that they are being instigated from abroad,” Salve said, while emphasising that the claim reflected his personal assessment of available developments. He also suggested that India should carefully examine attempts by external interests to influence public opinion and policy.
The comments come against a backdrop of growing international scrutiny of India on issues ranging from trade and technology to regulatory decisions. Salve pointed to pressures from multiple directions, including demands for trade concessions, lobbying by large global corporations seeking market access, and international commentary about political developments inside the country.
While he did not present direct evidence for a coordinated campaign, Salve argued that the convergence of external criticism, economic pressure and domestic unrest should not be ignored. Supporters of his view say large geopolitical powers increasingly use economic, informational and diplomatic tools to advance strategic interests.
Critics, however, argue that domestic political and social grievances should not automatically be attributed to foreign influence.
The remarks have reignited discussion about foreign intervention, national sovereignty and the challenges facing India as its global influence continues to grow.