External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Saturday responded to concerns over the allegations that the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) spent $21 million to sway voter turnout in India. He termed the allegation “concerning and worrisome” and acknowledged that the government is looking into the issue.
Jaishankar: ‘Govt Looking Into It’
Retaliating against allegations raised by representatives of former US President Donald Trump’s administration, Jaishankar reiterated that USAID could conduct business in India in good faith. “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…,” he told an event in New Delhi.
“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,” he added.
Trump Accuses Biden Administration of Funding Indian Elections
The row broke out after Trump’s close friend Elon Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) tweeted on X that USAID had released $21 million “for voter turnout in India.” The tweet also added that the funding had been canceled. Trump repeated the assertion at a ‘Governors Working Session’ in Washington on Friday, stating, “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.”
The Biden government has not publicly reacted to the allegations by Trump. But the allegation has drawn a political row in India with opposition leaders asking for transparency.
Congress, BJP Clash Over Allegations
India’s main opposition party, Congress, criticized Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s government, urging a strong response to the allegations. “The white paper should not only focus on USAID funding, but all such agencies which fund both governments, individuals and all other entities under Indian law,” said Congress’ media and publicity head Pawan Khera.
Reacting to this, BJP leader Ajay Alok rejected Congress’ stand, claiming that foreign funding was more widespread during the Congress-led UPA government. “We have already shown that the government got USD 2119 million between 2004-14 and just 1.5 million between 2014-25. We are shutting down these things. The Indian government is now acting, 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,” alleged Alok.
MEA: ‘Deeply Troubling Reports’
On Friday, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) confirmed the controversy, referring to the reports as “deeply troubling.” MEA official Randhir Jaiswal said that the government is thoroughly probing the issue.
“We have seen information that has been put out by the US administration regarding certain USA 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. It would be premature to make a public comment at this stage, so relevant authorities are looking into it, and hopefully we can come up with an update on that subsequently,” explained Jaiswal.
Government Awaits Further Clarity
While the Indian government probes the case, USAID and the Biden administration remain tight-lipped. The controversy has placed a new twist in India-US relations with concerns over foreign interference in internal elections.
