External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar on Saturday raised concerns regarding the United States Agency for International Development’s (USAID) involvement in election-related funding in India. Speaking at the Delhi University Literature Festival, he emphasized the need to scrutinize potential “bad faith activities” linked to such funding.
Jaishankar’s remarks came in response to revelations from the U.S. leadership about the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) canceling hundreds of millions of dollars in USAID allocations worldwide. Among the cancellations was a reported $21 million meant for “voter turnout in India.”
Scrutiny Over USAID’s Role in India
Expressing concern over the funding’s implications, Jaishankar stated, “Some information has been put out by the Trump administration, and obviously, that is concerning. It suggests there may have been efforts to push a particular narrative or viewpoint.”
He further pointed out that USAID was permitted to operate in India in “good faith,” and any indication of “bad faith” activities warranted further investigation. “If there is merit in these claims, the country deserves to know who was involved,” he added.
The Ministry of External Affairs has confirmed that the government is actively investigating the issue, citing the need to prevent foreign interference in India’s internal affairs.
Political Controversy Escalates
The revelation has sparked a political debate, with the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the opposition Congress exchanging allegations over foreign influence in India’s electoral processes.
Meanwhile, U.S. President Donald Trump has repeatedly referenced the reported funding in public statements. Addressing a gathering of U.S. state governors at the White House, he questioned why $21 million was allocated to India for voter turnout. “We’re giving $21 million for voter turnout in India. What about us? I want voter turnout too,” Trump remarked.
The U.S. administration has not provided concrete details regarding the alleged misallocation, though Trump has hinted at potential financial irregularities.
Expanding Security Measures in the Digital Age
Discussing the broader implications of such foreign funding, Jaishankar underscored the need to rethink security in the digital era. He highlighted that non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and global ranking agencies could be used to influence public opinion and shape narratives.
Jaishankar also pointed to the presence of a so-called “globalization mafia”—a group of unelected influencers shaping global norms and economic policies over the past three decades. He emphasized the importance of India safeguarding its sovereignty against such external influences.
Modi-Trump Meeting and India-U.S. Relations
On a related note, Jaishankar described Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s recent visit to the U.S. and his first meeting with Trump in his second term as a success. He noted that both leaders share a strong nationalist perspective, which fosters mutual respect.
“Prime Minister Modi is a strong nationalist, and Trump, as an American nationalist, respects that. Their meeting went very well for several reasons,” he remarked.
Jaishankar further added that Modi enjoys a positive rapport with Trump, unlike many other global leaders. “Trump is an unconventional leader, and he hasn’t had the best history with some world leaders. However, in Modi’s case, it’s different. He had a great visit.”
With the investigation into USAID’s funding ongoing, further details are expected to emerge in the coming weeks. The Indian government remains committed to ensuring transparency and preventing external interference in its electoral process.
