The Georgia-based entity, RSS Friends, submitted its registration under the Foreign Agents Registration Act just ahead of an August 2024 event in New York featuring Mohan Bhagwat. Although operating without formal contracts or compensation, the group acknowledged an active relationship and coordination with its Indian principal. It intends to focus efforts on engaging journalists, academics, civil society members, and government agencies to correct perceived misconceptions. Board members Rajendra Sonarikar, Jayant Pant, and Devananda Gaddam will help oversee these educational and informational initiatives across the country.
Key points
The organization plans to execute informational campaigns targeting researchers, media ou…: The organization plans to execute informational campaigns targeting researchers, media outlets, and US government officials.
Despite having no written contract or compensation, the group confirmed that coordination…: Despite having no written contract or compensation, the group confirmed that coordination with the RSS exists.
Leadership positions on the RSS Friends board of directors are held by Rajendra Sonarikar…: Leadership positions on the RSS Friends board of directors are held by Rajendra Sonarikar, Jayant Pant, and Devananda Gaddam.
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A group of
Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) well-wishers has registered with the US Department of Justice (DoJ) as a foreign agent representing the organisation. The group, named RSS Friends, aims to expand outreach in the US and respond to information it considers inaccurate or lacking relevant context.
The group registered under the Foreign Agents Registration Act (FARA) on August 27, listing the RSS at Keshavkunj, New Delhi, as its “foreign principal”. The registration document provided a Georgia address for the group.
According to the filing, RSS Friends intends to undertake informational, educational, public-relations and community engagement activities, including responding to accounts of the RSS that it believes are inaccurate, incomplete or lack relevant context.
“RSS Friends does not have a written employment, consulting, lobbying, public-relations, or agency agreement with RSS containing specified deliverables, compensation, or detailed operational instructions,” the group said in its filing.
It cautioned, however, that the absence of a written contract should not be interpreted as meaning there is no relationship or coordination between the two organisations.
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