Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) on Friday said that the reports on the US Agency for International Development (USAID) $21 million funding for 'voter turnout in India' is "deeply troubling".
#WATCH | "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. Relevant departments and… pic.twitter.com/2WHRex7auG
— ANI (@ANI) February 21, 2025
United States President Donald Trump's recent allegation that USAID funds were being used to interfere in India's election process erupted in a political row in the country.
#WATCH | MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal says, "The India-US joint statement mentions that the US side is reviewing its policy on releasing fifth-generation fighter aircrafts to India. President Trump had also made a reference during the press conference to F-35 aircraft. No… pic.twitter.com/OG28vWkXXw
— ANI (@ANI) February 21, 2025
It "raises worries of interference in Indian internal matters, and relevant agencies are looking into it," said MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal. He also added that it would be premature to make a public comment at this stage and hopefully, we can come up with an update on that subsequently.
#WATCH | Death of Nepali girl at KIIT University | MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal says, "We are deeply saddened by the tragic death of the Nepali student. We convey our heartfelt condolences. Govt of India accords high priority, safety, security and well Being of all… pic.twitter.com/iSicCC4T6E
— ANI (@ANI) February 21, 2025
Both Congress and BJP alleged external interference in India's election process. The period referred to the interference is in 2012 when the BJP accused the Congress-led UPA of "systematically enabling the infiltration of India's institutions by forces opposed to the nation's interest."
Last week, Tesla founder and head of the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), which has been formed with a mission of slashing federal spending in the US, posted that they identified $486 million to the "Consortium for Elections and Political Process Strengthening." $22 million was spent for an "inclusive and participatory political process" in Moldova, while $21 million for voter turnout in India.
Following the revelation, Congress's Pawan Khera hit back at the BJP and said, "This definitely is external interference in India's electoral process. Who gains from this? Not the ruling (BJP) for sure!" he said.
He alleged that because of the interference, the opposition (BJP) back in 2012 benefitted and won the 2014 election with USAID/Soros support.
