Key Takeaways
- The US Agency for International Development (USAID) provided $21 million for ‘voter turnout’ in India.
- India has expressed concerns about USAID’s funding, citing fears of foreign interference in internal affairs.
- US President Donald Trump has questioned the $21 million USAID grant for voter turnout in India, suggesting it may have been used to influence the outcome of Indian elections.
New Delhi: India today said that revelations about USAID’s funding of US$21 million for “voter turnout” in India are deeply troubling and has led to concerns about foreign interference in India’s internal affairs.
Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal, answering questions regarding the Trump administrations revelation that USD21 million were spent by the US Agency for International Development (USAID) for “voter turnout” in India, said:
“We have seen information put out by the US administration regarding certain USAID activities and funding.
“These are obviously 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.”
US President Donald Trump, questioning the over $21 million USAID grant by the Biden administration “for voter turnout” in India, said the funds may have been used “to get somebody else elected”.
Addressing an event in Miami, Trump said: “…US$ 21 million for voter turnout in India. Why do we need to spend US$ 21 million for voter turnout in India? Wow… I guess they (the Biden administration) were trying to get somebody else elected. We have got to tell the Indian government… This is a total breakthrough.”
Citing examples about where the USAID money was going before he became President, Trump said: “…US$ 21 million for Indian elections, and US$ 29 million to strengthen the political landscape in Bangladesh… Asia is doing well, we don’t need to give them money.”
