Daijiworld Media Network- New Delhi
New Delhi, Feb 22: The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) on Friday expressed serious concern over reports of USAID funding related to India's voter turnout, calling the revelation "deeply troubling." MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal stated that relevant authorities were examining the issue and an official update would be provided once the investigation progressed.
"We are looking into the details of the information put out by the US administration regarding possible foreign interference in India’s internal affairs through USAID funding. Several ministries are monitoring the issue," Jaiswal said at a press briefing.
The controversy arose after former US President Donald Trump criticized the now-cancelled USAID programme, alleging it was a “kickback” scheme by the previous Biden administration. Speaking at the Republican Governors Association meeting in Washington DC, Trump questioned the purpose of the $21 million allocation. "Why are we funding voter turnout in India? We have enough problems of our own," he remarked.
Trump, addressing another event in Miami, went further, suggesting that the funding was an attempt to influence India's elections. "Why do we need to spend $21 million on voter turnout in India? Were they trying to get someone else elected?" he questioned, calling it a "total breakthrough" that needed to be communicated to the Indian government.
Amid the uproar, a media report on Friday claimed that the funding was actually meant for Bangladesh, not India. This sparked a fresh political debate, with the Congress demanding an apology from the BJP, while the ruling party accused Congress leader Rahul Gandhi of working with foreign forces to weaken India.
The Congress alleged that the BJP’s narrative was a distraction from its own use of foreign funds to “destabilize” past governments. It also demanded that the government issue a white paper detailing USAID’s financial involvement in India. Meanwhile, the BJP dismissed the report about Bangladesh funding as a "cover-up," labeling Rahul Gandhi a "traitor" and accusing him of misleading the nation.
Separately, addressing concerns over US deportees in Panama, Jaiswal assured that India would extend necessary assistance to its nationals. “We are verifying the details of the illegal migrants, and once the verification is complete, the required arrangements will be made,” he said.
As per an agreement, Costa Rica and Panama will serve as transit points for deportees, with the US covering all operational costs. The Indian mission in Panama, which also oversees Costa Rica, remains in close contact with local authorities to verify the identities of those affected.