/industry-wired/media/agency_attachments/2024/12/04/2024-12-04t130344212z-iw-new.png)
/industry-wired/media/agency_attachments/2024/12/04/2024-12-04t130332454z-iw-new.jpg)
/industry-wired/media/media_files/2025/02/20/9mpLPDqfoUeNRXWayPMP.jpg)
/industry-wired/media/media_files/2025/02/20/9mpLPDqfoUeNRXWayPMP.jpg)
PM Modi, India-US Relations Under Spotlight After USAID’s Voter Turnout Funding Controversy
The United States' decision to allocate $21 million for voter turnout efforts in India has sparked controversy after former President Donald Trump questioned its purpose. Speaking at the FII PRIORITY Summit in Miami, Trump suggested that the funding might have been an attempt to influence India’s elections.
"Why do we need to spend $21 million for voter turnout in India? I guess they were trying to get somebody else elected," Trump said. In comparison with Russian interference in US elections, it became ironic for him with the aid of the decision.
Trump Highlights Economic Concerns
Trump pointed out that India has a strong economy and imposes high tariffs on US goods. "They got a lot of money. They're one of the highest-taxing countries in the world in terms of us. We can hardly get in there because their tariffs are so high," Trump stated. Despite his concerns, he clarified that he respects India and its Prime Minister, Narendra Modi.
His comments came after the US Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), headed by billionaire Elon Musk, decided to withdraw the $21 million funding. DOGE, which seeks to cut unnecessary government expenditure, termed the allocation a wasteful use of taxpayers' money.
Political Debate Over US Involvement in India’s Elections
The withdrawal of the funding has created political controversy in India. The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), in power, accused the financing of an effort to interfere with India's elections. BJP's Amit Malviya accused analogous programs of having been associated with global organizations supported by US interests, implying foreign interference in previous elections.
But, Former Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) S.Y. Quraishi has dismissed all the claims. "The report about an MoU by ECI in 2012 for funding by a US agency to raise voter turnout in India has no factual basis," he stated.
Opposition Congress Party, however, hit back, questioning why the ruling BJP would accuse its own government of election interference.
USAID’s Role and Broader Concerns
The $21 million was meant to be used under a USAID-supported program within the Consortium for Elections and Political Process Strengthening (CEPPS). This Consortium organization established by public law in 1995 under the USAID, promotes election processes worldwide. It has been working with such groups as the National Democratic Institute and the International Republican Institute.
Beyond India, DOGE’s review revealed that US taxpayer money was also allocated to political projects in Bangladesh and Nepal. The agency reported revoking $29 million meant for Bangladesh’s political landscape and $39 million earmarked for governance and conservation in Nepal.
Trump Criticizes Ukraine Aid
Trump also took the opportunity to criticize US financial aid to Ukraine, claiming that the country had received $200 billion more from the US than Europe. He accused Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy of mismanaging funds, alleging that a large portion of US support was "missing."
"Zelenskyy admits that half of the money we sent him is gone. He doesn't hold elections and has low polling in Ukraine. A dictator without elections," Trump claimed in a post on Truth Social.
What Next
While funding for voter turnout in India is already canceled, questions continue as to how U.S. foreign aid could be allocated. This controversy attains significance with the view on increasing scrutiny with regard to U.S. intervention in foreign elections and the ongoing debate about taxpayers' money going for foreign projects.