India’s Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has taken serious objection to information issued by the US administration about USAID’s recently canceled $21 million funding for voter mobilization in India. The MEA said that the issue is being looked into by concerned authorities.
We have seen information that has been put out by the US administration regarding certain USA activities and funding. These are obviously very deeply troubling. This has led to concerns about foreign interference in India’s internal affairs. Relevant departments and agencies are looking into this matter. It would be premature to make a public comment at this stage, so relevant authorities are looking into, and hopefully we can come up with an update on that subsequently,” MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said on Friday.
Trump Calls USAID’s India Funding a ‘Kickback Scheme’
Ex-US President Donald Trump has caused controversy with claims that USAID’s $21 million funding was to sway India’s elections. At the Republican Governors Association conference in Washington, DC, Trump slammed the use of US taxpayers’ money for India’s voter mobilization efforts.
“$21 million for voter turnout in India. Why are we caring about India turnout? We got enough problems. We want our own turnout,” Trump stated. He also described the money as a “kickback scheme,” implying that the funds were not going to their intended use.
Elon Musk’s DOGE Report Reveals USAID’s Indian Spending
The controversy broke out after the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), headed by Elon Musk, revealed that USAID had allocated $21 million to India’s Election Commission to increase voter turnout. The news was part of a list published by DOGE on February 16, which stated where US taxpayer money was being spent. DOGE also verified that all these expenditures had been terminated.
Allegations of Foreign Interference in India’s Elections
Trump’s comments have set off a political controversy over possible foreign meddling in India’s democratic process. In addressing the matter, Trump implied that the funding was aimed at influencing electoral outcomes.
Why are we spending $21 million on Indian voter turnout? I guess they were attempting to get someone else into office. We’ve got to let the Indian Government know. This is a complete breakthrough,” Trump told the audience in his televised address, as broadcast by NBC News.
Indian Authorities Examining the Matter
The Indian government has taken cognizance of these allegations and is evaluating their significance. The MEA has promised that agencies are reviewing the issue closely and will keep the public informed when the time is right. The controversy occurs at a time when India is preparing for critical elections, which makes any foreign involvement charges especially sensitive.
