Government launches probe into alleged $21 million foreign funding for voter turnout initiatives
The Government of India has launched an official review into allegations that millions of dollars from USAID were funneled into the country, purportedly to influence voter turnout. The move comes after former US President Donald Trump claimed that the $21 million fund was paid to the Modi government, sparking controversy and calls for transparency.
Speaking at the Delhi University Literature Festival, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar acknowledged concerns regarding USAID’s operations in India. While emphasizing that the agency had been historically allowed to operate in good faith, he said recent allegations from the US warrant scrutiny.
“Suggestions are being made in America that activities were carried out in bad faith. That certainly warrants a closer look. If there is truth to these claims, the country must know who was involved,” he stated.
Jaishankar also underscored the increasing risks of external influence through media, technology, and financial channels, stating that a nation’s security is not only about borders but also about narratives and perceptions shaped by external forces.
The controversy escalated after Trump accused the Biden administration of authorizing the $21 million fund, allegedly for election-related activities in India. While the BJP initially framed the issue as foreign interference, Trump’s remarks have raised new questions about whether the funds were linked to the Indian government itself.
As of now, the Modi government has not directly responded to Trump’s specific claim that the money was “paid” to them. However, the Enforcement Directorate (ED) and other financial and security agencies have begun investigating Indian entities—including non-profits, media firms, business entities, and activists—who may have served as conduits for these funds.
The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has called for a full investigation, alleging that the USAID funds may have been used to support “deep state assets” in India. Meanwhile, the Enforcement Directorate (ED) has started preliminary steps to identify possible violations of anti-money laundering laws linked to the now-scrapped fund.
With the investigation now underway, the Indian government is expected to release further details in the coming weeks. Meanwhile, both domestic and international observers are closely watching how India