Political firestorm escalates over USAID meddling in Indian elections

Published on: February 21, 2025 - The political storm over USAID funding has intensified as Trump doubled down on his claim about U.S. funds being used for voter turnout in India. His latest remarks follow an earlier statement questioning the Biden administration’s decision to grant $21 million, suggesting it may have been “to help someone else get elected.” Meanwhile, the Ministry of External Affairs took note, with spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal calling the U.S. government’s information on USAID funding in India alarming, as it hints at foreign interference in the country’s internal affairs. He also confirmed that authorities are investigating the matter. Adding fuel to the fire, a national daily’s report countered Trump’s claim, asserting that the $21 million USAID funding was mistakenly flagged by Elon Musk and was actually intended for Bangladesh, sparking another war of words between the BJP and Congress.