The appointment of Sriram Krishnan to a key position in the Trump administration has triggered a wave of backlash, with critics targeting him based on his Indian heritage. The attacks, rooted in fear-mongering about “large-scale immigration from India,” have exposed deep-seated biases and sparked concerns about rising anti-Indian sentiment in certain political circles.
Many see this as part of a broader pattern of manipulation by powerful entities—often referred to as the “Deep State” (DS)—that exploit both left- and right-wing platforms to sow division. Some observers argue that these forces are working to destabilize governments and influence public opinion through targeted disinformation campaigns.
In India, similar tactics have reportedly been used to undermine Prime Minister Narendra Modi, with disinformation aimed at turning his own supporters against him. In the U.S., far-right voices appear to be weaponizing anti-immigrant rhetoric to stoke distrust within Trump’s base toward his administration’s appointees, including Krishnan.
Supporters of Krishnan emphasize his dedication to American values, arguing that he represents the best of what immigrants contribute to the country. Many in the Indian-American community have expressed frustration over the growing tendency to vilify individuals of Indian origin, despite their significant contributions to American society.
The backlash also highlights a broader issue: a rising narrative of anti-India sentiment fueled by fears of the country’s growing global influence. Critics note that Indian-born professionals have excelled in leadership roles across U.S. industries, yet this success has not shielded them from being targeted by divisive rhetoric.
As this controversy unfolds, it raises urgent questions about the role of ethnicity in public service and the impact of disinformation on social cohesion. With India’s global prominence continuing to rise, advocates are calling for greater efforts to challenge stereotypes and foster mutual respect between nations.