'Deeply Troubling': MEA On USAID’s Alleged $21 Million Spending On India’s Elections, Says Reviewing The Matter

India has taken note of the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) reportedly spending $21 million to influence voter turnout in the country and has initiated an internal review into the matter, as reported by DD News. 

Addressing the media in New Delhi on Friday (21 February), Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said that relevant departments and agencies are looking into the information released by the US administration regarding USAID activities in India.

“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,” Jaiswal stated, as quoted by DD News.

He further added, “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.”

Trump Questions USAID's Involvement in India’s Electoral Process

The controversy erupted after US President Donald Trump repeatedly criticised the Biden administration for allocating $21 million through USAID for election-related activities in India. Speaking at the FII Priority Summit in Miami on Thursday (February 20, 2025), Trump questioned the necessity of such funding.

“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 remarked.

His criticism follows an earlier statement on Wednesday (19 February), where Trump backed the US Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) in cancelling the $21 million allocated for voter turnout in India.

The Elon Musk-led DOGE officially announced the cancellation of the $21 million grant on 16 February, citing that the funds were part of foreign assistance programs deemed unnecessary or excessive. 

The department also revoked $29 million allocated for "strengthening the political landscape in Bangladesh" and $20 million for "fiscal federalism in Nepal".

Suspicion Over USAID’s Role in Bangladesh Elections

Alongside India, USAID's role in Bangladesh has also come under scrutiny. Questions are being raised over its activities during the Biden administration and its alleged involvement in the ousting of Sheikh Hasina’s government last August.

Following recent developments, all USAID aid programs in Bangladesh have now been suspended.