The Indian Ministry of External Affairs has expressed serious concerns over U.S. President Donald Trump’s comments regarding USAID’s $21 million funding, labeling the remarks as “deeply troubling.” The controversy arose after Trump claimed that the funding might be aimed at influencing election outcomes in India, stating, “They were trying to get somebody else elected.”
Randhir Jaiswal, the Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson, confirmed that relevant departments are reviewing the situation to assess potential foreign interference in Indian elections. The Indian government is taking these allegations seriously and committed to ensuring its electoral process’s integrity.
However, reports have revealed that the $21 million in question was actually allocated to Bangladesh, not India, as Trump suggested. The funding was intended to support political and civic engagement among students in Bangladesh ahead of their 2024 elections2.
This incident has sparked a diplomatic row and raised questions about the accuracy of information being disseminated by the U.S. administration. The Indian government has emphasized the importance of maintaining transparency and accountability in international relations and has called for a thorough investigation into the matter.
The situation underscores the need for vigilance and careful scrutiny of foreign aid allocations to prevent misunderstandings and potential diplomatic tensions. As the investigation continues, both countries must work together to address any concerns and ensure that their bilateral relations remain strong and cooperative.
