US Election Interference in India? Government Concerned

Aakhir Tak – In Shorts

India raises concern over Trump’s claim of US election interference via USAID.
MEA states the matter is being examined by relevant authorities.
Trump announced cancellation of USAID grant to India.
Indian Express report claims no USAID grant allocated for election-related projects.
Political slugfest erupts in India over the issue.

Aakhir Tak – In Depth

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The Centre on Friday raised serious concerns over recent remarks by US President Donald Trump. Trump alleged that the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) allocated a USD 21 million fund to India with the intent of “influencing its electoral process”. The issue of US Election Interference has raised concerns in India.

MEA Statement

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Addressing a weekly media briefing, Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal described the claims as “deeply troubling” and ensured that the matter is being examined by relevant authorities. Jaiswal stated, “We have seen information that has been put out by the US administration regarding certain USA activities and funding. These are obviously very deeply troubling. This has led to concerns about foreign interference in India’s internal affairs.” He further added that the government is actively looking into the matter but refrained from making a detailed public statement at this stage.

Trump’s Claim

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During his speech in Miami earlier this week, Trump announced the cancellation of the USAID grant to India and claimed that the previous Joe Biden-led administration was attempting to interfere in India’s 2024 Lok Sabha elections to “elect someone else”. Trump had said, “Why do we need to spend USD 21 million for voter turnout in India? Wow, USD 21 million! I guess they were trying to get somebody else elected.”

Indian Express Report

However, an Indian Express investigation report claimed that no USAID grant has been allocated for any election-related projects in India since 2008. The report instead asserted that the only USAID-funded initiative in Asia was a USD 21 million grant sanctioned in 2022 for Bangladesh’s voter participation project, “Amar Vote Amar” (My Vote is Mine).

Political Slugfest

Donald Trump’s remarks triggered a political slugfest in India with the BJP launching a scathing attack on Congress and calling Rahul Gandhi a ‘traitor’, accusing him of colluding with foreign forces in his bid to weaken India. The Congress, on the other hand, highlighted the Indian Express report and demanded an apology from the BJP. It also alleged that the ruling party’s narrative was aimed at diverting attention from its own use of foreign funds to destabilize past governments led by the grand old party. Congress has also asked the central government to release a white paper detailing USAID funding and financial contributions from similar agencies operating in India.

Aakhir Tak – Key Takeaways to Remember