Jaishankar condemns ‘Concerning’ US claims of foreign election meddling

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Saturday responded to allegations from the Trump administration that the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) allocated $21 million to boost voter turnout in India. He described the claims as “concerning and worrisome,” emphasizing that USAID was permitted to operate in India in good faith—not for “activities which are in bad faith.” "Some information has been put out there by the Trump administration people, and obviously, that is concerning... I think, as a government, we're looking into it. My sense is that the facts will come out... USAID was allowed here in good faith, to do good faith activities; now, suggestions are being laid out from America that there are activities which are in bad faith. It's worrisome, and if there's something to it, then the country should know who the people are involved in it," Jaishankar stated at an event in New Delhi.

Elon Musk’s DOGE cancels alleged USAID funding

The Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), led by Elon Musk, recently posted on X that USAID had allocated $21 million for India’s voter turnout efforts. According to DOGE, the funding had been canceled. Trump, addressing a ‘Governors Working Session’ in Washington, reiterated these claims, stating, “Twenty-one million dollars going to my friend Prime Minister Modi in India for voter turnout. We're giving 21 million for voter turnout in India. What about us? I want voter turnout too.”

Opposition calls for a strong response

India’s main opposition party, the Congress, urged the Modi government to take a firm stance on the allegations. Pawan Khera, head of the Congress media and publicity department, demanded a white paper that not only clarifies USAID funding but also investigates all foreign agencies funding Indian entities.

BJP leader Ajay Alok dismissed Congress’ concerns, stating, “We have already shown that the government got USD 2119 million between 2004-14 and just 1.5 million between 2014-25. We are shutting down these things. The Indian government is now acting, the US government has issued a list of who has got the money from where… This is part of a deep state. The Bharat Jodo Yatra was also being funded from this money.”

MEA: ‘Deeply Troubling’ reports under review

The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) acknowledged the reports and confirmed that they are under investigation. MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said, “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 agencies are looking into this matter. It would be premature to make a public comment at this stage, so relevant authorities are looking into it, and hopefully, we can come up with an update on that subsequently.”