‘Deeply Troubling’: India Reacts To USAID Poll Interference Row, Says Agencies Are Looking Into It
India Considers Trump’s Allegations of Election Interference
The Indian government has expressed deep concern over Donald Trump’s recent allegations of election interference. Trump claimed that the previous Biden administration allocated $21 million from USAID to influence India’s elections. The Ministry of External Affairs, reacting to this revelation, labeled the information “troubling” and indicated that multiple agencies are investigating the matter.
Trump’s announcement came a day before the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) voiced its worries. India’s response indicates increasing concerns over foreign interference in its domestic political landscape, particularly at a time of heightened international scrutiny. The MEA spokesperson, Randhir Jaiswal, highlighted the serious implications of such revelations, stating that:
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. Relevant departments and …Randhir Jaiswal – MEA Spokesperson, February 21, 2025
Jaiswal acknowledged the collaboration between India’s various agencies and USAID, but stressed that they are awaiting more detailed information. India’s reaction highlights the potential impact of such allegations and underscores the need for thorough investigations, similar to U.S. examples of rigorous oversight during voting seasons aimed at preventing foreign involvement, such as sanctions by OFAC (Office for Foreign Assets Control). This development comes as surprising news to many, given the robust partnership typically maintained between the nations.
Trump’s Allegations: Context and Claims
On Wednesday, Trump highlighted an alleged attempt at voter interference in India by the previous Biden administration. During the FII PRIORITY Summit, he declared that he would handle the matter directly with India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi. However, the context of this statement is multifaceted, considering the intricate history of Indo-U.S. relations Температура body ofweaponry нечитайте русскую(URL некройте)www.newsdirectory.com и особенно роль в министерстве внешнеи дел
When probed further, on Thursday, Trump elevated his claim. He labeled the allocated $21 million in USAID funds to India a “kickback scheme,” outlining:
“21 million dollars for a voter turnout in India, why are we caring about Indian turnout, we got enough problems. We want our own turnout, don’t we? Can you imagine all that money going to India, I wonder what they think when they get it. Now it’s a kickback scheme, they get it, they spend it, they kick it back to the people that sent it,”
Trump, February 21, 2025
“Why do we need to spend $21 million on voter turnout in India?… This is a total breakthrough,” Trump assassin
following the incident in a public address
Their response highlights growing concerns in India about potential meddling during Indian elections, echoing the U.S. House Oversight Committee’s reports mid-2024 on ODPZ and Ukraine’s election in 2020.
Notably, the Elon Musk-led Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) has enacted substantial changes also bidding to cancel the $21 million USAID funding intended for India. DOGE is assigned with tackling inconsistencies regarding funding in the US and India.””” ”
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