‘Worrisome’: EAM on Trump’s $21 mn USAID funding claim

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar has termed the allegations about USAID’s reported $21 million funding for “voter turnout in India” as “worrisome”, emphasising that if true, the country must know who was involved.

Speaking at the Delhi University Literature Festival, Jaishankar responded to claims made by US President Donald Trump, stating, “Some information has been put out there by the Trump administration, and obviously, that is concerning… We’re looking into it, and the facts will come out. USAID was allowed here in good faith, but now there are suggestions from America about bad-faith activities. That’s worrisome.”

The session, titled ‘Why Bharat Matters’, was moderated by economist Sanjiv Sanyal, a member of the Prime Minister’s Economic Advisory Council. Earlier this week, Sanyal called the controversy “the biggest scam in human history”.

Agencies mull investigation

Investigating agencies are assessing the modalities of probing entities that reportedly received $21 million, allegedly from the United States Agency for International Development. Sources familiar with the development indicate that while no formal investigation has begun, the Union Home Ministry is likely to examine the matter. Subsequently, agencies such as the CBI and the ED are exploring all aspects, particularly the nature of the allegations, before initiating any formal probe.

Reflecting on Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s recent US visit and his meeting with Trump, Jaishankar described their interaction as one of “strong chemistry and mutual respect”. He noted that both leaders, as nationalists, understood each other’s commitment to their countries.

“PM Modi is a strong nationalist, and he radiates that. Trump, as an American nationalist, respects that. Modi is in it for India, and Trump is in it for America,” Jaishankar said.

Jaishankar also drew an analogy between India’s diplomatic efforts and Lord Hanuman’s mission to Lanka in the Ramayana.

“Lord Hanuman was sent to a hostile territory to assess the situation, boost Ma Sita’s morale and understand the power dynamics. He even identified Vibhishana as an ally and ultimately set Lanka on fire,” Jaishankar explained, adding with a smile, “Imagine a diplomat going somewhere and setting a place — not metaphorically, but literally — on fire.”

When asked if he had ever attempted something similar, Jaishankar quipped, “Do not tempt me.”

He emphasised that diplomacy is about coalition-building, even with countries that may not fully align with India’s stance. “What are we trying to do today as Bharat? We are expanding our circle of friends and bringing together nations that may not always be on the same page to achieve common goals,” he said.