Senior advocate and former Solicitor General of India Harish Salve has alleged that foreign funding and external interference are driving certain protests in India, claiming that organised attempts are under way to destabilise the system and impede the country's progress. Speaking in an exclusive interview, Salve specifically named the United States among foreign countries he believes are 'not happy with India.'

The Core Allegation

Salve stated his position in unambiguous terms. 'I believe that foreign funding is being provided for these efforts and that they are being instigated from abroad. This is my allegation. Some foreign countries, particularly the United States, are not happy with India,' he said.

He called on the government to investigate allegations of foreign funding, asserting that it was the state's responsibility to protect constitutional institutions and act against movements that seek to weaken them. Salve, however, clarified that he remained 'fully confident that an investigation will be initiated.'

Regional Pattern and Neighbouring Countries

Salve drew a broader geopolitical picture, pointing to political upheavals in Nepal, Sri Lanka, and Bangladesh as evidence of a pattern of external interference. He questioned the circumstances surrounding the removal of former Bangladeshi Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and the appointment of her successor, alleging that external forces were involved.

'Is there any doubt about who was behind the turmoil in Nepal, Sri Lanka and Bangladesh? Who removed Sheikh Hasina, and who brought in the new Prime Minister there? In my opinion, external forces were behind these events,' he said. These remain Salve's personal allegations and have not been independently verified.

Questions Over Protest Funding

The former Solicitor General also questioned how specific individuals and groups were financing protest activities within India, citing the involvement of people based overseas. He named YouTubers Abhijeet Dipke and Saurav Das by name, and referred to individuals reportedly based in Germany and other countries.

'In India, too, some people have emerged as leaders of protests, including some YouTubers, Dipke, Saurav Das. Some people live in Germany and other countries. Where are they getting the money for these activities? Organising protests requires funding,' Salve said.

Not a 'People's Movement', Says Salve

Salve said he did not consider the current protests a genuine public uprising. He contrasted them with student demonstrations over examination paper leaks, which he said had attracted wider public support because ordinary people understood the difficulties students faced.

'I live in India, and based on what I have seen, I do not see a widespread public uprising,' he said, adding that he did not believe the movement would last long. He also alleged that misleading narratives were being circulated through digital platforms, including YouTube videos, reels, and short messages.

Context and the Modi Government's Priorities

Salve claimed a pattern had emerged over the past six to eight months, with certain groups allegedly attempting to obstruct the government while India focused on strategic and economic challenges. 'While the Modi government is focusing on dealing with the Strait of Hormuz crisis, economic development, technological progress and enhancing India's satellite capabilities, these groups are trying to prevent the government from moving forward,' he said.

This comes amid a broader national debate over the legitimacy and financing of protest movements in India. Salve's remarks — coming from a senior legal figure who previously served as the government's top law officer — are likely to intensify scrutiny of the funding sources behind civil society agitations. Whether the government acts on his call for an investigation remains to be seen.