Synopsis
India has expressed concern over the US administration's claims regarding USAID's interference in its elections. The Ministry of External Affairs is investigating these allegations as they raise serious issues related to foreign influence on India's democratic processes.Key Takeaways
- India is investigating USAID's involvement in elections.
- The US has allocated substantial funds for voter turnout in India.
- Trump criticizes the funding aimed at influencing Indian elections.
- Concerns about foreign interference in India's affairs are rising.
- USAID programs in Bangladesh have been suspended.
New Delhi, Feb 21 (NationPress) India announced on Friday that relevant departments and agencies are currently examining the information released by the US administration concerning the United States Agency for International Development (USAID)'s involvement in Indian elections and the expenditure of millions to sway voter turnout in the nation.
"We have reviewed the information disseminated by the US administration about specific USAID initiatives and funding. These revelations are indeed very concerning. This raises alarms regarding foreign interference in India's domestic matters," stated Randhir Jaiswal, spokesperson for the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), during a press conference in New Delhi.
"Relevant departments and agencies are investigating this issue. It would be hasty to comment publicly at this moment. Appropriate authorities are evaluating this, and we hope to provide an update soon," he added.
US President Donald Trump has consistently questioned the Biden administration's intentions behind allocating $21 million through USAID to impact electoral outcomes in India.
"Why do we need to allocate $21 million for voter turnout in India? I suspect they were aiming to support a specific candidate. We must inform the Indian Government... This represents a significant breakthrough," Trump remarked during his speech at the FII Priority Summit in Miami, according to India's time.
Earlier, Trump supported the US Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) decision to revoke the $21 million funding intended for "voter turnout in India".
"Why are we providing $21 million to India? They have substantial financial resources. They are among the highest taxing nations globally regarding us; we find it challenging to enter due to their elevated tariffs. I respect India and its Prime Minister, but allocating $21 million for voter turnout? In India? What about voter turnout here?" Trump stated while addressing guests at his Mar-a-Lago estate in Florida.
The DOGE, led by Elon Musk, announced on February 16 the cancellation of the $21 million grant, highlighting several foreign assistance projects - with the India voter turnout initiative at the forefront - that were considered unnecessary or excessive.
This department also identified several other nations where US taxpayer funds were previously directed, all of which have now been cancelled.
Included were $29 million for "strengthening the political landscape in Bangladesh" and $20 million for "fiscal federalism" in Nepal.
Concerns are being raised about USAID's and other organizations' influence in Bangladesh during the Biden administration and their role in the ousting of the Awami League government led by Sheikh Hasina last August. All USAID aid programs in Bangladesh have now been halted.
