The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) on Friday expressed serious concerns over information released by the US administration regarding certain USAID activities and funding in India.
This comes after former US President Donald Trump alleged that American aid funds were being used to interfere in India's electoral process, sparking a political controversy.
Trump, DOGE, and the USAID $21 Million Controversy
The controversy intensified after the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), led by billionaire Elon Musk, disclosed that USAID allocated $21 million to the Election Commission of India to boost voter turnout.
On February 16, DOGE released a list detailing how US taxpayer dollars were being spent, with “$21M for voter turnout in India” mentioned among the expenditures. The department clarified that all these expenditures had been canceled.
Reacting to this, MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal stated, "We have seen the information put out by the US administration regarding certain USA activities and funding. These reports are deeply troubling and raise concerns about foreign interference in India's internal affairs. Relevant agencies are investigating the matter, and we will provide updates when appropriate."
Trump Calls USAID’s Fund a ‘Kickback Scheme’
Donald Trump once again criticised the now-canceled USAID $21 million fund, calling it a “kickback scheme” aimed at influencing India's elections.
Speaking at the Republican Governors Association meeting in Washington, DC, Trump said, "$21 million for voter turnout in India? Why are we concerned about India’s turnout? We have enough problems here. We need to focus on our own elections."
Trump further questioned how the funds were being used, suggesting, “Can you imagine all that money going to India? I wonder what they think when they get it. It's a kickback scheme. It’s not like they actually spend it. They send it back to certain people.”
On Thursday, Trump hinted at USAID’s involvement in India’s elections, saying, “Why do we need to spend $21 million on voter turnout in India? I guess they were trying to get someone else elected. We need to tell the Indian government—this is a total breakthrough.”
Also Read: Delhi govt approves Ayushman Bharat Yojana
Political Clash Between BJP and Congress
Trump’s remarks triggered a fresh political battle in India. BJP IT cell head Amit Malviya claimed that the USAID fund was being used to “sustain deep-state assets” in India who try to cover up such revelations.
“A day after Trump spoke about $21 million being sent to India for voter turnout, he has reiterated the charge. And no, he is not confusing it with the $29 million funneled into Bangladesh. He has now mentioned kickbacks as well. This money is being used to sustain deep-state assets who work to defend and deflect such revelations. We are seeing this pattern unfold in India,” Malviya alleged.
Congress, on the other hand, countered BJP’s claims. Congress spokesperson Pawan Khera dismissed the allegations, saying, “For the past week, there has been a story that USAID gave $21 million to destabilize the Modi government. If the Modi government, despite having so many security agencies, allowed $21 million to enter India, it is a matter of shame.”
Khera further added, “When the Modi government was asked about this, they said the money came in 2012 during the UPA regime. If that’s the case, did the BJP win in 2014 using this money?”
With both the Indian government and political parties reacting strongly to the USAID $21 million fund controversy, the issue has now become a major topic of discussion. The MEA has assured that relevant authorities are investigating the matter, and further clarifications are expected in the coming days.
Also Read: Rahul says Cong wanted alliance with BSP in LS elections
Follow us
