A fresh controversy has erupted over U.S. President Donald Trump's allegations that the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) funded efforts to influence India's electoral process. His remarks at the Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC) in Washington have ignited a fierce political battle in India, with the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the opposition Congress trading barbs over alleged foreign interference.
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Speaking at CPAC, President Trump questioned the rationale behind U.S. financial assistance to India for elections. "Eighteen million dollars for helping India with its elections. Why the hell? Why don&rsquo;t we just go to old paper ballots and let them help us with our elections, right? Voter ID. Wouldn&rsquo;t that be nice? We&rsquo;re giving money to India for elections. They don&rsquo;t need money," he declared. Trump further accused India of imposing high tariffs on American goods while allegedly benefiting from U.S. taxpayer funds.
His claims, however, were immediately met with scepticism. The "eighteen million" figure remains unverified, with a separate report from the Elon Musk-led Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) suggesting that USAID allocated $21 million for "voter turnout" initiatives in India. Additionally, Trump pointed fingers at an unnamed Bangladeshi firm, alleging it received $29 million in U.S. funding. "They got a check. Can you imagine? You have a little firm, you get 10,000 here, 10,000 there, and then we get 29 million from the United States government. There are two people working in that firm... I think they&rsquo;re very happy, they&rsquo;re very rich. They&rsquo;ll be on the cover of a very good business magazine pretty soon for being great scammers," he claimed.
Jaishankar Acknowledges Concerns, Calls for Clarity
India&rsquo;s External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar, addressing reporters in Delhi, acknowledged the concerns raised by President Trump&rsquo;s allegations. "Some information has been put out there by the Trump administration people, and obviously, that is concerning. I think, as a government, we&rsquo;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&rsquo;s response was cautious, hinting at an official probe while also attempting to dispel concerns over foreign intervention. However, opposition parties were quick to demand more transparency.
Congress Seeks White Paper, Slams BJP for "Misinformation"
The Congress party seized on the controversy to demand a white paper on foreign funding in India&rsquo;s electoral processes. Congress spokesperson Pawan Khera rubbished Trump&rsquo;s claims and accused the Modi government of spreading "misinformation."
"More Indian news media outlets have fact-checked the claim by BJP and Modi government&rsquo;s ministers as untrue. Funds went to Bangladesh, not India; although India received USAID funds, it was not for increasing voter turnout," Khera stated.
Congress leaders also questioned why Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who shares a close relationship with Trump, had not publicly countered the allegations. "PM Modi calls Trump his friend. If Trump is spreading falsehoods about India, why doesn&rsquo;t Modi clarify? Or is it that the BJP is using these claims to fuel its own conspiracy theories?" a senior Congress leader said.
Geopolitical Undercurrents: USAID and U.S.-India Relations
Beyond the domestic mudslinging, Trump&rsquo;s comments signal a broader shift in U.S.-India relations, particularly as he has consistently criticized India&rsquo;s trade policies. Under his leadership, the U.S. has repeatedly accused India of imposing high tariffs on American goods, a charge that has been a sticking point in trade negotiations. The Biden administration, despite reversing some of Trump's policies, has maintained a firm stance on trade and foreign aid accountability.
Experts believe Trump&rsquo;s remarks should also be viewed through the lens of his domestic electoral strategy. By attacking USAID&rsquo;s spending, particularly on foreign elections, he is appealing to his conservative voter base, which has long been critical of U.S. foreign aid. "Trump is positioning himself as the anti-establishment candidate once again, taking a swipe at bureaucratic spending and international assistance, which resonates with his voter base," said Michael Schwartz, a senior fellow at the Washington Policy Institute.
BJP&rsquo;s Counterattack: Allegations of Congress Hypocrisy
In response to Congress&rsquo;s attack, BJP leaders hit back, alleging that the opposition party had been the real beneficiary of foreign funding in the past. "Who invited USAID and foreign NGOs to work in India on election-related issues in the first place? Congress should look in the mirror before questioning us," said BJP leader Sambit Patra.
The BJP has also dismissed the call for a white paper as a "diversionary tactic," arguing that Congress has a history of soliciting international interventions. "They went crying to Germany and the U.S. over Indian democracy before; now they are suddenly concerned about foreign influence? The hypocrisy is astounding," Patra added.
Unanswered Questions and Political Fallout
The controversy over USAID&rsquo;s alleged role in India&rsquo;s elections has become a political flashpoint, both in Washington and New Delhi. While no concrete evidence has emerged to substantiate Trump&rsquo;s claims, the issue has provided fresh ammunition for political rivals in India. The broader implications of this controversy on U.S.-India relations remain to be seen, particularly as both countries navigate a complex geopolitical landscape.
With India heading into a crucial election season, the spectre of foreign interference&mdash;real or imagined&mdash;will likely remain a potent tool for political manoeuvring. Whether this controversy fades or gains further traction may depend on how both governments choose to address it in the coming weeks.
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Trump’s remarks trigger geopolitical storm, BJP-Congress trade barbs over USAID election funds

Trump’s USAID Claims Ignite India Political Clash

Trump’s remarks trigger geopolitical storm, BJP-Congress trade barbs over USAID election funds

February 23, 2025 | 10:33 IST