India requests USAID project expenditure details from US

The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) in India has asked the US government for details about the spending on USAID-funded projects in India over the last ten years. This request comes amid concerns about how USAID funds are being used, particularly after reports claimed that some of this money was intended to influence voter turnout in Indian elections. The issue gained attention after a budget announcement from the US Department of Government Efficiency, led by Elon Musk. This announcement included a $21 million allocation for voter mobilization efforts in India, which sparked controversy and drew remarks from former President Donald Trump, accusing the current administration of interfering in Indian elections. MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal expressed that Trump’s claims were "very deeply troubling" and highlighted the potential for foreign interference in India’s internal affairs. External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar stated that the government is investigating the situation and promised transparency about the facts. The Indian government also seeks information on the NGOs involved with USAID-funded projects. However, no official response has been received from the US so far. The US administration has withheld some details about USAID beneficiaries, citing legal reasons related to national security and privacy. Despite these concerns, the Indian finance ministry reported that seven projects, valued at $750 million, are being jointly implemented by USAID and the Indian government for the fiscal year 2023-24. These projects focus on important areas such as agriculture, health, renewable energy, and climate adaptation.