The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) on Friday expressed serious concerns over former U.S. President Donald Trump’s recent revelation regarding an alleged election interference attempt in India through a $21 million fund allocated by USAID. The MEA described the emerging information as "troubling" and confirmed that relevant agencies are examining the matter.
India’s Response to Election Interference Allegations
Trump’s claims, made during a recent public address, suggest that the previous Biden administration directed USAID funds to influence India’s electoral process. In response, the MEA underscored the gravity of the matter, stating that any foreign interference in India's internal affairs is unacceptable.
#WATCH | "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… pic.twitter.com/2WHRex7auG
— ANI (@ANI) February 21, 2025
“We have taken note of the information released by the U.S. administration regarding certain USAID activities and funding. These revelations are deeply troubling and have raised concerns about external involvement in India’s internal affairs. Relevant departments and agencies are currently investigating the issue. At this stage, it would be premature to make a public statement, but we will provide updates as the situation develops,” MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said during a weekly press briefing.
Jaiswal also noted that several Indian agencies collaborate with USAID, and the government is awaiting further details before taking any formal stance.
Trump’s Claims of a ‘Election Interference Bid’ in India
On Wednesday, Trump alleged that the previous Biden administration funneled $21 million to influence voter turnout in India, implying an effort to sway the country's elections. Addressing the FII PRIORITY Summit, he questioned the rationale behind such funding, stating:
"Why do we need to spend $21 million on voter turnout in India? I guess they were trying to get somebody else elected. We have to inform the Indian government… This is a total breakthrough."
A day later, Trump went further, characterizing the funding as a "kickback scheme."
"Twenty-one million dollars for voter turnout in India—why are we concerned about Indian turnout? We have enough problems of our own. This is a scheme where they get the money, spend it, and then return it to those who sent it."
U.S. Investigations and Policy Revisions
Following these allegations, the Elon Musk-led Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) has moved to cancel the $21 million USAID fund designated for India under the “voter turnout” initiative. DOGE, which is tasked with reviewing financial irregularities in U.S. humanitarian aid programs during the Biden administration, has launched an inquiry into the matter.
As investigations continue on both sides, the Indian government is closely monitoring developments, emphasizing the need for transparency and accountability in international aid funding.
.png)
The opinions posted here do not belong to 🔰www.indiansdaily.com. The author is solely responsible for the opinions.
As per the IT policy of the Central Government, insults against an individual, community, religion or country, defamatory and inflammatory remarks, obscene and vulgar language are punishable offenses. Legal action will be taken for such expressions of opinion.