February 21, 2025
2 mins read

India Investigates USAID’s Alleged Election Interference

US President Donald Trump has repeatedly questioned the Biden administration’s motive behind spending $21 million through the USAID to influence electoral outcome in India….reports Asian Lite News

India stated on Friday that its relevant departments and agencies are examining the U.S. administration’s claims about USAID’s alleged interference in Indian elections, including reports of millions spent to influence voter turnout.

“We have seen information that has been 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,” Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal told reporters in New Delhi during a media briefing.

“Relevant departments and agencies are looking into this matter. It would be premature to make a public comment at this stage. Relevant authorities are looking into this and hopefully we can come up with an update on that subsequently,” he added.

US President Donald Trump has repeatedly questioned the Biden administration’s motive behind spending $21 million through the USAID to influence electoral outcome in India.

“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 got to tell the Indian Government… This is a total breakthrough,” Trump said while speaking at the FII Priority Summit in Miami on Thursday, India time.

Earlier on Wednesday, Trump had backed the US Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) decision to cancel the $21 million funding for “voter turnout in India”.

“Why are we giving $21 million to India? They got a lot more money. They are one of the highest taxing countries in the world in terms of us; we can hardly get in there because their tariffs are so high. I have a lot of respect for India and their Prime Minister, but giving $21 million for voter turnout? In India? What about voter turnout here?” Trump remarked while speaking at his Mar-a-Lago residence in Florida.

The Elon Musk-led DOGE had on February 16 announced the cancellation of the $21 million grant, outlining several foreign assistance programmes – the India voter turnout project topping the list – that had been deemed unnecessary or excessive.

The department had also listed several other countries where the US taxpayer dollars were going to be spent, all of which have now been cancelled.

It included $29M to “strengthening political landscape in Bangladesh” and $20M for “fiscal federalism” in Nepal.

Questions are also being raised about the role of USAID and other organisations in Bangladesh during the Biden period and its role in ousting the Awami League government led by Sheikh Hasina, last August. All USAID aid programmes in Bangladesh have now been suspended.

ALSO READ: ‘Tone Down Zelensky’ 

ALSO READ: Macron to visit US for talks over Ukraine, tariffs 

Previous Story

‘Tone Down Zelensky’ 

Next Story

Arab Leaders Unite on Gaza Crisis

Latest from -Top News

Afghanistan Offline: 72 Hours of Chaos

Afghanistan restores internet after three-day blackout; humanitarian aid, trade, and banking resume slowly, while UN warns repeated disruptions threaten recovery and livelihoods for millions of citizens. Internet and telecom services were partially

Over 1,000 lives lost in Pak floods

Pakistan’s floods kill over 1,000, hit agriculture and supply chains; economy shows resilience amid devastation, while Karachi experiences minor earthquake, raising fears in already-stricken areas. Pakistan continues to grapple with one of

Great Soybean Standoff

Trump’s planned meeting with Xi links soybean trade disputes to wider US-China tensions, as American military officials warn of growing threats from both Beijing and Pyongyang….reports Asian Lite News US President Donald

Khadi spirit spins on

From Gandhi’s visit in 1920 to Prime Minister Modi’s call for Swadeshi today, Mahoba’s weavers show how khadi continues to weave empowerment, pride and self-reliance….reports Asian Lite News In the dusty lanes

US urged to deepen defence ties with India

Heritage Foundation expert urges US to deepen defence cooperation with India, share naval intelligence, support drone industry, and avoid domestic criticism to counter China’s rising influence in Indo-Pacific….reports Asian Lite News A
Go toTop

Don't Miss

Google brings major tech breakthroughs in India

YouTube, the company launched auto-generated chapters to make it easier

Karnataka to expand cabinet by Aug first week

Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai would visit Delhi on Sunday (July