MEA calls USAID funding ‘deeply troubling’, says probe underway
The Ministry of External Affairs on Friday said relevant departments and authorities were looking into the information put out by the US administration regarding possible foreign interference in India’s internal affairs through USAID funding.
Terming the revelations of $21 million funding to India for ‘voter turnout’ “deeply troubling”, MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said several ministries were currently monitoring the issue.
Multiple agencies investigating it
We have seen information that has been put out by the US administration regarding certain US activities and funding. This is obviously very deeply troubling. — Randhir Jaiswal, MEA Spokesperson
Bid to destroy democracy: Dhankhar
After US President Donald Trump equated the USAID funding to India with a kickbacks scheme, Vice-President Jagdeep Dhankhar said “political Covid” had infiltrated Indian society to destroy its democracy. “He said funds were pumped in to manipulate Indian election results. Anyone doctoring or manipulating that process is undermining our democratic values, bringing us under servitude, subservience,” said the VP.
Asked if the funding actually reached India, Jaiswal said, “Let our agencies look into the matter. Hopefully, we can come up with an update on that subsequently. Currently, it is a bit premature for us to comment.”
Citing the now-cancelled USAID, US President Donald Trump continued to attack the previous Biden administration. Speaking at the Republican Governors Association meeting in Washington DC on Thursday, Trump claimed the $21 million funding was a “kickback” scheme. “USD 21 million for voter turnout. Why are we caring about India’s turnout? We have got enough problems. We want our own turnout,” said Trump.
Addressing an event earlier in Miami, Trump wondered whether it (the previous US regime) was trying to get someone else elected. “Why do we need to spend $21 million on the voter turnout in India? I guess they were trying to get somebody else elected. We have got to tell the Indian Government.... This is a total breakthrough,” said Trump.
Meanwhile, a media report today claimed the $21 million funding was meant for Bangladesh, and not India. This triggered a political slugfest, with the Congress demanding an apology from the BJP and the ruling party accusing Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi of colluding with foreign forces to weaken India. The Congress alleged that the BJP’s narrative was aimed at diverting attention from its own use of foreign funds to “destabilise” past governments led by it. It also demanded the government come out with a white paper on the USAID funding as well as funding by other such agencies in India.
The BJP dismissed as “cover-up” the media report that the $21 million fund was for Bangladesh, and not India, and called Rahul Gandhi a “traitor”.
Jaiswal, answering queries on US deportees in Panama, said India would provide necessary assistance to all its nationals. “We are verifying details of the illegal migrants. Once the verification is done, required arrangements will be made,” he said.
According to an agreement, Costa Rica and Panama will serve as transit countries for deportees, with the US bearing all operational costs. The Indian mission in Panama, which is also accredited to Costa Rica, is in touch with the local authorities to verify the details.
