Washington/New Delhi: US President Donald Trump has again said that USAID gave $21 million for “voter turnout in India”, only this time he said it was given “to my friend PM Modi in India for voter turnout”.
For the third time in as many days, the US President mentioned the US Agency for International Development (USAID) as having disbursed the money.
“…$21 million going to my friend PM Modi in India for voter turnout. So, we’re giving $21 million for voter turnout in India, what about us? I want voter turnout too.
“$29 million to strengthen the political landscape in Bangladesh; it went to a firm that nobody ever heard of. Can you imagine a little firm, they got a cheque for $29 million from the US government.
There are two people working in that firm; they must be very happy. They’re very rich. They’ll be on the cover of a very good business magazine produced soon,” he added sarcastically.
Earlier this week too, Trump mentioned the amount given by USAID.”$21 million for voter turnout in India. Why are we caring about India turnout? We got enough problems. We want our own turnout,” he said, addressing the Republican Governors Association meeting in Washington DC.
“Can you imagine all that money going to India. I wonder what they think when they get it. It’s a kickback scheme.”
The Ministry of External Affairs, reacting to the statements by President Trump, said on Friday that the revelations are deeply troubling and has led to concerns about foreign interference in India’s internal affairs.
Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal 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.”
Earlier, 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.”
