India has expressed deep concern over allegations that the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) has been involved in influencing voter turnout in the country. On Friday, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) stated that relevant departments and agencies are actively investigating the matter following revelations by the US administration regarding USAID’s activities and funding in India.
“We have seen the information put out by the US administration regarding certain USAID activities and funding. These reports are obviously very deeply troubling. This has led to serious concerns about foreign interference in India’s internal affairs,” MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal told reporters during a media briefing in New Delhi.
He further stated, “Relevant departments and agencies are looking into this matter. At this stage, it would be premature to make a public comment. The relevant authorities are assessing the situation, and hopefully, we can provide an update subsequently.”
Trump Raises Questions on USAID’s $21 Million Funding for India
Former US President Donald Trump has strongly criticized the Biden administration for allocating $21 million through USAID to influence electoral outcomes in India. He questioned the necessity of such funding and hinted at possible political motives behind it.
“Why do we need to spend $21 million on voter turnout in India? I guess they were trying to get somebody else elected. We have got to tell the Indian Government… This is a total breakthrough,” Trump said while addressing the FII Priority Summit in Miami on Thursday (India time).
Trump has consistently questioned the Biden administration’s overseas spending, particularly when it comes to funding electoral activities in foreign nations. His comments have sparked significant debate, raising fresh concerns about the role of USAID and other international organizations in India’s democratic processes.
DOGE Cancels $21 Million Grant for India’s Voter Turnout Project
Earlier on Wednesday, Trump had supported the decision of the US Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) to cancel the $21 million in funding that was earmarked for enhancing voter turnout in India.
“Why are we giving $21 million to India? They have a lot more money. They are one of the highest-taxing countries in the world when it comes to us; we can hardly get in there because their tariffs are so high. I have a lot of respect for India and their Prime Minister, but giving $21 million for voter turnout? In India? What about voter turnout here?” Trump remarked while speaking at his Mar-a-Lago residence in Florida.
USAID’s Controversial Foreign Funding Under Scrutiny
The Elon Musk-led DOGE announced on February 16 that it had decided to cancel the $21 million grant for India’s voter turnout project, citing concerns over the necessity and appropriateness of such foreign aid programs. The department identified several other similar assistance programs that were also deemed excessive or unnecessary and subsequently canceled.
Among the projects that were scrapped was a $29 million initiative aimed at “strengthening the political landscape in Bangladesh” and another $20 million project focused on “fiscal federalism” in Nepal.
These developments have raised fresh questions about the role of USAID and other international organizations in influencing political processes in South Asia. Concerns have been particularly strong in Bangladesh, where the Biden administration has faced accusations of interfering in domestic politics. Allegations have surfaced that USAID played a role in undermining the Awami League government led by Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina in August last year.
In response to these growing concerns, all USAID aid programs in Bangladesh have now been suspended.
With the controversy surrounding USAID’s involvement in India and neighboring countries, the MEA’s ongoing investigation is expected to shed light on the nature and extent of foreign influence in India’s electoral process.
