Replied by Naval Jagota, Senior Research Fellow, VIF
In order to minimize or avoid external influence manifesting into India’s internal democratic decision making system. First and foremost is to have robust internal institutions manned by competent individuals with diversity and balance of experience and knowledge. Influence operations on the democratic system of a country are done in many ways, such as influencing the decision makers or by influencing the polity. The medium through which generally it can be done is through the media which encompasses print, television as well as social media. Another area in which influence is brought to bear is through multilateral institutions.
If the collective institutional knowledge and opinion is applied then the decisions taken in favor or against on a particular policy are to be judged to be taken collectively in national interest. It is a reality that decisions taken are a combination of pros and cons and not necessarily unanimously.