India Investigates USAID Funding for Election-Related Activities

The Indian government is scrutinizing reports that the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) funded election-related activities in India, with the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) describing the matter as “deeply troubling.” Various government agencies, including the ministries of home affairs, external affairs, and finance, are investigating the allegations, which have sparked a political controversy.

MEA Calls the Issue “Deeply Troubling”

At a press briefing, MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal acknowledged the issue, stating, “We have seen the information put out by the US administration regarding certain USAID 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.”

When asked whether the USAID funds had already been disbursed, Jaiswal declined to provide details, saying it was “premature to make a public comment at this stage.” Several ministries, including the health ministry, which has worked with USAID in the past, are reportedly involved in the probe.

Trump Administration’s Crackdown on USAID Spending

The controversy erupted after the Trump administration’s Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) announced on February 16 that it had canceled hundreds of millions of dollars in USAID allocations worldwide, including $21 million for “voter turnout in India.” A DOGE post on X, led by billionaire Elon Musk, claimed that the funding was part of a broader $486 million allocation to the Consortium for Elections and Political Process Strengthening (CEPPS), implemented by the National Democratic Institute (NDI) and the International Republican Institute (IRI).

Trump, who has repeatedly criticized USAID’s global spending, addressed the issue during a speech in Miami, questioning, “Why do we need to spend $21 million for voter turnout in India? Wow, $21 million. I guess they were trying to get somebody else elected. We have got to tell the Indian government.”

BJP and Congress Clash Over Allegations

The Trump administration’s claims have ignited a political battle in India. The ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has described the USAID funding as “external interference” that allegedly benefited the opposition Congress party. Meanwhile, Congress has dismissed the accusations as “nonsensical.”

Congress leader Jairam Ramesh criticized the claims on X, stating, “Lies were first mouthed in Washington and then amplified by the BJP.” He urged the government to release a white paper detailing USAID’s historical support to both governmental and non-governmental institutions in India.

Lack of Clarity on USAID’s Intentions

There is still uncertainty about whether the $21 million in question was indeed intended for India. Some reports suggest it may have been meant for Bangladesh, but officials have said it is too early to conclude. “We really won’t be able to know until the matter has been examined. USAID should come out with the details,” an official stated on condition of anonymity.

As the investigation unfolds, the controversy is likely to have significant implications for India-US relations and the broader debate on foreign influence in democratic processes.