A project of research analyzes information interference by third states in India.

Do Russia or China exercise any subject of interference or manipulation of information concerning India? What are their objectives and what solutions can be offered? Shahana Thankachan, professor of International Relations at the University of Navarra and member of the consortium researcher between the University of Navarra and the Indian think tank XKDR Forum, analyzes the problem of information interference by third states (Foreign Influence and Manipulation of Information (FIMI) in India.

Under the degree scroll, "Concerns about Foreign Information Manipulation and Interference (FIMI): An Indian perspective", the report, a work of the consortium, offers a unique view on FIMI in India, emphasizing India's democratic structure, its vast population and its own perspective on Russia and China. The consortium includes several activities of research and is part of the European Union Policy and Outreach Partnership in India as part of the European Union - India Strategic Partnership under the leadership of the Foreign Policy Instruments Service of the European Commission and the Delegation of the European Union to India.

The research concludes that the motivations of Russia and China to influence India are different from the interference they may develop in other countries. All Chinese action vis-à-vis India seeks to maintain its geostrategic primacy and the skill for influence over other South Asian countries. While Russia aspires to retain the level of relevance that the Soviet Union once had in the country. "India is a case apart because of its huge territory and population, because of its profile as a democracy with relatively free access to the Internet and also because it has a significant English-speaking population, with a press that publishes in English as well," explains Professor Thankachan. "While NATO member states and the European Union see Russia and China as potential actors of risk to their security and stability, the Indian perspective is different: India saw China as an adversary long before NATO, and conversely, India does not see Russia as an adversary," she concludes.

The research highlights that the motivations of Russia and China are also different, in terms of manipulating information in third countries than their specific application in India. "While Russia, generally, seeks to foster distrust among the European public, in India it seeks to retain the level of relevance that the Soviet Union had in India," the project explains. "It seeks to present the conflict in Ukraine in favorable terms both to publicize the strength of its Economics and to promote its arms industry." The conclusions offered by research on China, on the other hand, highlight that the Asian giant "seeks to lead the global speech ," says the professor. "It does so by promoting its narrative in favorable terms while developing influence operations to strengthen its negotiating position." With respect to India, the Chinese objectives are twofold: to maintain its geostrategic primacy and the skill for influence over other South Asian and other countries in the Global South.

The consortium's ultimate goal, goal , is to strengthen relations between the European Union and India by proposing bilateral and interdisciplinary solutions to the problem of information interference by third states. "When we think of solutions for India, they involve cooperation between the Indian government, the private sector, research centers and technology companies." The consortium proposes the creation of Digital Public Goods and common standards where India, the European Union and its member states and civil society "can play a leading role.