Give details of USAID funded projects: MEA to US embassy

The Union government has taken note of recent developments concerning the activities and funding of the United States Agency for International Development, the ministry of external affairs informed Rajya Sabha on Monday. The controversy gained momentum after the Elon Musk-led US Department of Government Efficiency announced budget cuts for USAID on February 16, including a contentious $21 million allegedly allocated for voter mobilisation efforts in India. “In view of the recent reports regards USAID funding in India, the ministry of external affairs has formally asked the US Embassy to urgently furnish details of expenditure incurred on all USAID assisted/funded projects in India over the last 10 years,” the ministry said in its response to Brittas. The MEA further highlighted that certain details about USAID beneficiaries have been withheld by the US administration, citing legal provisions under American law that allow “exceptional redactions.” “As per that legislation, the exceptional redactions include information that would jeopardise the health or security of an implementing partner or programme beneficiary. Amid the controversy, MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal stated on February 21 that President Trump’s claim regarding the $21 million was “very deeply troubling.” He added that it has “raised concerns about foreign interference in India’s internal affairs.” The following day, on February 22, external affairs minister S Jaishankar mentioned that the government was investigating the matter and assured that “the facts will come out soon.” “The USAID was allowed to operate here in good faith to undertake positive activities.