NEW DELHI: US President Donald Trump has alleged that the Biden administration allocated $18 million in financial assistance to India for its electoral process, arguing that the country does not require such funding.
Speaking at the Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC), Trump criticized the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) for approving $21 million to support voter participation in India.
During his address, Trump accused India of benefiting unfairly from American policies.
โEighteen million dollars to assist India with its electionsโwhy? Why arenโt we just using traditional paper ballots here and asking them for help instead? Voter IDโwouldnโt that be great? Weโre giving them money for elections, but they donโt need it,โ Trump stated.
He further alleged that India imposes some of the worldโs highest tariffs on US goods while still receiving American financial support.
โThey take full advantage of us. One of the most protectionist countries in the worldโฆ We face 200 percent tariffs there, yet weโre sending them millions to help with their elections,โhe added.
Trump also took aim at USAIDโs funding to Bangladesh, claiming that the agency allocated $29 million to shape the countryโs political environment.
โTwenty-nine million dollars to โstrengthenโ their political systemโso they can elect a far-left radical in Bangladesh,โ he remarked.
Trump has repeatedly alleged that under Bidenโs leadership, USAID designated $21 million for increasing voter turnout in India, sparking controversy over the nature of the aid.
Responding to the claims, Indiaโs External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar said on Saturday that the allegations raised by Trumpโs administration were concerning and warranted further scrutiny.
At a media interaction in New Delhi, Jaishankar emphasized that USAID was permitted to operate in India on the assumption that its activities were well-intentioned.
โIf there are accusations from the U.S. suggesting otherwise, they need to be examined. If any wrongdoing is found, the nation deserves to know who is responsible,โ the minister stated.
On Thursday, while speaking at a Republican Governors Association event, Trump alleged that the $21 million aid package to India was a form of political corruption, continuing his attacks on the Biden administration.
Earlier in the week, Trumpโs Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), led by Elon Musk, had claimed that USAID contributed $21 million to Indiaโs Election Commission to enhance voter participation. The department later reported that all related expenditures had been canceled as of February 16.
On February 18, During a joint press briefing with PM Modi, senior journalist and Editor-in-Chief of The New Indian Aarti Tikoo Singh asked Trump whether USAID had interfered in electoral processes in both India and the US.
In response, he hinted at potential involvement, stating, โIt could have played a role. We witnessed alarming incidents in both 2020 and 2024. But the US election was too large to manipulateโthough attempts were certainly made.โ
