India Reviews USAID’s $21M Voter Turnout Funding, Calls It ‘Deeply Troubling’

New Delhi- India has initiated an internal review into reports of the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) allocating $21 million to influence voter turnout in the country, as reported by DD News.

Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal, addressing the media on Friday (21 February), stated that relevant departments and agencies are examining the details of USAID’s activities in India.

“We have seen information 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,” Jaiswal said. He further noted that authorities are investigating the matter and will provide updates in due course.

The controversy arose after former US President Donald Trump criticized the Biden administration for approving $21 million through USAID for election-related activities in India. Speaking at the FII Priority Summit in Miami on 20 February, Trump questioned the necessity of such funding. His remarks followed an earlier statement supporting the US Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) in canceling the funds.

Elon Musk-led DOGE officially revoked the $21 million grant on 16 February, citing it as part of foreign assistance programs deemed unnecessary. It also withdrew $29 million allocated for “strengthening the political landscape in Bangladesh” and $20 million for “fiscal federalism in Nepal.”

Concerns over USAID’s role have also extended to Bangladesh, where questions have been raised about its activities under the Biden administration, particularly regarding its alleged involvement in the ousting of Sheikh Hasina’s government last August. In response, all USAID aid programs in Bangladesh have now been suspended.

India’s internal review into the issue remains ongoing, with officials expected to provide further clarity on the matter in the coming weeks.