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India Investigates Alleged US Election Interference Claims
India probes US election meddling claims after Trump said USAID spent $21M on voter turnout. Reports suggest the funds were for Bangladesh.
ND
by News Desk
2025-02-21
India Investigates Alleged US Election Interference Claims

The Indian government is investigating claims that a US government agency may have attempted to influence Indian elections, following allegations made by former US President Donald Trump.

Trump’s Claims on USAID Funding

The controversy erupted when Trump, during an event in Miami, referenced a report by DOGE (Department led by Elon Musk), stating that the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) had disbursed $21 million for voter turnout in India.

“What do we need to spend $21 million for voter turnout in India for? Wow, $21 million. I guess they were trying to get somebody else elected,” Trump remarked.

His comments have triggered a political storm in India, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s BJP and the opposition Congress party blaming each other for allegedly benefiting from foreign funding.

India’s Response

On Friday, Indian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal confirmed that New Delhi is taking the matter seriously.

“We have seen 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,” Jaiswal stated during a press briefing.

He further confirmed that the relevant departments and agencies are conducting an inquiry into the matter.

Conflicting Reports: Was the $21M for India or Bangladesh?

However, The Indian Express reported on Friday that the $21 million referenced by Trump was actually allocated to Bangladesh, not India. The report, citing official documents, suggests that Trump may have been misinformed about the funds' actual destination.

Political Fallout in India

The allegations have intensified political tensions in India:

  • BJP leaders argue that foreign interference in India’s elections is unacceptable, demanding clarity from the opposition on any possible involvement.
  • Congress leaders, in turn, have accused BJP of using the controversy as a distraction from pressing domestic issues.

What Happens Next?

  • India’s foreign ministry and investigative agencies will examine USAID’s activities in the country.
  • The US has yet to issue an official response to the allegations.
  • Trump’s claims remain under scrutiny, as reports suggest a possible misinterpretation of funding allocations.

As the 2024 US elections approach, Trump's comments continue to shape global discourse on foreign influence in elections worldwide.
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