New Delhi, 22 February 2025 — External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar on Saturday said the government is “looking into” claims made by former US President Donald Trump’s administration that the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) allocated $21 million for voter turnout in India.
He described the allegation as “concerning and worrisome” and stressed that USAID was permitted to operate in India in good faith, not for activities deemed otherwise.
“Some information has been put out there by the Trump administration people, and obviously, that is concerning… My sense is that the facts will come out. USAID was allowed here in good faith, to do good faith activities. Now, suggestions are being laid out from America that there are activities which are in bad faith. It’s worrisome, and if there’s something to it, then the country should know who the people are involved in it,” Jaishankar said at an event in Delhi.
Trump’s Claims and US Government Response
Trump, addressing a ‘Governors Working Session’ in Washington on Friday, reiterated his stance on the issue. “Twenty-one million dollars going to my friend Prime Minister Modi in India for voter turnout. We’re giving 21 million for voter turnout in India. What about us? I want voter turnout too,” he said.
The US Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), led by Trump’s close associate Elon Musk, recently stated on X that USAID allocated $21 million for voter turnout in India. The department added that the funding had since been cancelled.
Trump has previously alleged that the Biden administration was responsible for the allocation.
MEA and Political Reactions
The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) addressed the controversy on Friday, calling the reports “deeply troubling.”
“We have seen information that has been put out by the US administration regarding certain USAID 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,” said MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal.
The Congress party urged Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s government to condemn the allegations and conduct a broader review of foreign funding.
“The white paper should not only focus on USAID funding but all such agencies which fund both governments, individuals, and other entities under Indian law,” said Congress’ media and publicity head Pawan Khera.
Responding to Khera, BJP leader Ajay Alok dismissed Congress’ concerns, saying the government had already restricted such funding.
“We have already shown that the government got $2,119 million between 2004-14 and just $1.5 million between 2014-25. We are shutting down these things. The Indian government is now acting, and the US government has issued a list of who has got the money from where… This is part of a deep state. The Bharat Jodo Yatra was also being funded from this money,” Alok alleged.
The controversy has further fueled the debate on foreign influence in India’s electoral processes, with the government expected to provide further clarity once investigations are complete.
