MEA Slams US Over ‘Foreign Interference’ Claims After Trump’s Allegation on $21M Aid to India

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New Delhi: India’s Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) on Friday expressed deep concern over reports that the US administration had allocated $21 million through USAID to influence India’s electoral process. The issue gained traction after former US President Donald Trump alleged that American aid funds were being misused for political interference in India.

The controversy erupted after the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), led by Elon Musk, disclosed on February 16 that USAID had allocated $21 million to the Election Commission of India to boost voter turnout. However, the funding—listed as part of the US taxpayer expenditure—was later cancelled.

Reacting to the revelations, MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal stated, “We have seen the information put out by the US administration regarding certain USA activities and funding. These are deeply troubling and have raised concerns about foreign interference in India’s internal affairs. Relevant agencies are looking into the matter, and it would be premature to make a public comment at this stage.”

Trump, addressing the Republican Governors Association meeting in Washington DC on Thursday, lashed out at the funding, calling it a “kickback scheme”. He questioned the need for US involvement in India’s elections, stating, “$21 million for voter turnout in India? Why are we even caring about India’s turnout? We have enough problems of our own. We want our own turnout.”

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