External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar has raised concerns over allegations that the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) allocated $21 million for voter turnout efforts in India. Addressing the 12th International Health Dialogue in New Delhi on Saturday, Jaishankar stated that the government is actively investigating the matter, calling the claims “concerning and worrisome.”
“Some information has been put out there by the Trump administration people, and obviously, that is concerning… I think, as a government, we’re looking into it. My sense is that the facts will come out. It’s worrisome, and if there’s something to it, then the country should know who the people are involved in it,” Jaishankar said. He emphasized that USAID was allowed to operate in India under good faith, but the new allegations suggest potential misuse of its presence.
#WATCH | Delhi: On USAID, EAM S Jaishankar says, “…Some information has been put out there by the Trump administration people, and obviously, that is concerning… I think, as a government, we’re looking into it. My sense is that the facts will come out…USAID was allowed here… pic.twitter.com/UZT5aimfXX
— ANI (@ANI) February 22, 2025
The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) echoed these concerns, with spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal describing the alleged funding as “deeply troubling.” Addressing a weekly briefing on Friday, Jaiswal highlighted that relevant departments and agencies are examining the claims, stressing that it would be premature to make definitive public statements at this stage.
“We have seen information that has been put out by the US administration regarding certain US 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,” Jaiswal stated.
The controversy erupted following remarks by former U.S. President Donald Trump at the FII PRIORITY Summit in Miami, Florida, where he questioned the rationale behind allocating $21 million for voter turnout initiatives in India. His comments reignited debates over foreign influence in democratic processes, both in India and the U.S.
