Synopsis
The Finance Ministry's report shows that USAID's $750 million assistance in 2023-24 is allocated to various economic projects in India, countering President Trump's claims about political funding.Key Takeaways
- USAID funding in India is aimed at economic development.
- $750 million is allocated for projects in food and agriculture.
- Projects also focus on health, water, and environmental sustainability.
- No funding is directed towards political activities.
- Congress demands transparency regarding development funds.
New Delhi, Feb 23 (NationPress) Amidst a sharp critique from US President Donald Trump regarding USAID’s financial support in India, the annual review by Nirmala Sitharaman’s Finance Ministry reveals that the $750 million allocated by this US agency has been directed towards government initiatives in food, agriculture, rural development, energy, and environmental projects for the fiscal year 2023-24.
None of these initiatives pertain to political financing in India.
According to the Finance Ministry’s report for 2023-24, seven projects with a cumulative budget nearing $750 million are currently underway with USAID in collaboration with the Indian Government.
For the financial period of 2023-24, an allocation totaling $97 million (approximately Rs 825 crore) has been committed by the US Agency for International Development (USAID) for these seven initiatives, as indicated in the Finance Ministry report.
The projects encompass areas such as agriculture and food security, water, sanitation, hygiene (WASH), renewable energy, disaster management, and health. Additionally, financial support was allocated for the Sustainable Forests and Climate Adaptation Programme and the Energy Efficiency Technology Commercialisation and Innovation Project, the annual report elaborates.
President Trump has stirred controversy by alleging that the Biden administration utilized USAID to earmark $21 million for voter participation in India to sway election outcomes.
In response, External Affairs Minister S. Jasishankar remarked: “Some information has been put out there by the Trump administration people, and obviously, that is concerning. I think, as a government, we're looking into it. 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.”
The Congress party has called for a white paper detailing the funds received in India from international development organizations and aid frameworks.
