Washington Post counters Trump's India funding claim, Congress gets fresh ammo
1 month ago

Washington Post counters Trump's India funding claim, Congress gets fresh ammo

India Today  

Countering Donald Trump's charge that $21 million was given to India for "voter turnout", the Washington Post reported that there was no record of any program as stated by the US President, giving the Congress fresh ammo to target the BJP. Latching on to the Washington Post report, Congress spokesperson Pawan Khera said the "BJP and its blind supporters" would have to eat their words following the expose. WHAT THE WASHINGTON POST REPORT SAID The controversy erupted after the Elon Musk-led DOGE claimed that it had cancelled a $21 million grant to India to boost "voter turnout". The Washington Post report, quoting three people familiar with the US aid initiatives, said there was no program matching DOGE's description in India.

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History of this topic

Trump’s USAID Bombshell: How Foreign Aid Sparked a Political Row between BJP and Congress
3 weeks, 6 days ago

Trump’s USAID Bombshell: How Foreign Aid Sparked a Political Row between BJP and Congress

The Hindu  

Published : Feb 28, 2025 20:36 IST - 9 MINS READ A series of public statements by US President Donald Trump on USAID funds channelled towards voter turnout in India has drawn Indian political parties into an unseemly row. Speaking at a Governors’ working session in Washington, Trump dropped a bombshell when he declared that $21 million was going to …

Foreign funding & elections: The USAID debate in India explained
1 month ago

Foreign funding & elections: The USAID debate in India explained

India Today  

Amid a growing political controversy, recent data from the Indian finance ministry has shed light on the nature of United States Agency for International Development funding in India. The finance ministry report detailed that USAID’s seven projects in India, worth approximately $750 million, were focused on areas such as agriculture and food security, water and sanitation, renewable energy, disaster management, …

Congress leader Jairam Ramesh follows the lead of The Indian Express, falsely claims 'no proof' of election interference by USAID
1 month ago

Congress leader Jairam Ramesh follows the lead of The Indian Express, falsely claims 'no proof' of election interference by USAID

Op India  

On Monday, Congress leader Jairam Ramesh falsely claimed that there is no evidence of USAID funding any project to ‘strengthen voter turnout’ in India. As stated in the Finance Ministry's annual report for 2023-24, USAID is currently implementing seven projects in… pic.twitter.com/lS7BCJ0eXL — Jairam Ramesh February 24, 2025 “As stated in the Finance Ministry’s annual report for 2023-24, USAID is …

Jairam Ramesh slams BJP after Finance Minister report says USAID projects not related to 'voter turnout'
1 month ago

Jairam Ramesh slams BJP after Finance Minister report says USAID projects not related to 'voter turnout'

The Hindu  

Amid the ongoing row over USAID funding, the Congress on Monday claimed that the Union Finance Ministry has “thoroughly exposed” the Bharatiya Janata Party’s “lies” with its annual report for 2023-24 stating that the U.S. agency is currently implementing seven projects in collaboration with the Government of India and none of them has anything to do with voter turnout. "Currently, …

Letters to The Editor — February 24, 2025
1 month ago

Letters to The Editor — February 24, 2025

The Hindu  

Political ping pong The political furore over U.S. President Donald Trump’s claim on USAID funds seems to be growing. Mr. Trump needs to get to the bottom of the issue and expose who the beneficiaries of the ‘$21 million fund’ are. Perhaps India needs to reach out to regional leaders and ensure that democratic processes remain free from ‘undue external …

DC Edit | Row over USAID funds to India will never end
Trending News
1 month ago

DC Edit | Row over USAID funds to India will never end

Deccan Chronicle  

Thrice in three days US President Donald Trump questioned the USAID’s alleged $21 million fund for raising the voter turnout in India, which his administration and his adviser Elon Musk said had been cancelled last week. Never short of drama, the Indian political scene is going through a whole new episode of contrasted finger pointing with the Government of India, …

USAID funded 7 projects in India in FY24 but not related to 'voter turnout': Finance ministry report
1 month ago

USAID funded 7 projects in India in FY24 but not related to 'voter turnout': Finance ministry report

Hindustan Times  

Amid a raging political controversy over USAID’s alleged role in influencing Indian elections, the latest annual report of the finance ministry has disclosed that the agency funded seven projects worth USD 750 million in 2023-24. "Currently, seven projects worth a total budget of USD 750 million are being implemented by USAID in partnership with Government of India," as per the …

USAID funded 7 projects in India worth $750 million in FY24 but not related to ‘voter turnout’: Finance Ministry report
Top News
1 month ago

USAID funded 7 projects in India worth $750 million in FY24 but not related to ‘voter turnout’: Finance Ministry report

The Hindu  

Amid a raging political controversy over the United States Agency for International Development ’s alleged role in influencing Indian elections, the latest annual report of the Finance Ministry has disclosed that the agency funded seven projects worth $750 million in 2023-24. “Currently, seven projects worth a total budget of $750 million are being implemented by USAID in partnership with Government …

‘We’re giving them lot of money:’ Trump launches fresh attack on USAID over alleged India fund
1 month ago

‘We’re giving them lot of money:’ Trump launches fresh attack on USAID over alleged India fund

Firstpost  

Indian External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar earlier on Saturday said that the reports hinting USAID’s alleged election interference in India were “concerning” and “warrant a look” US president Donald Trump. Reuters file US President Donald Trump on Sunday again raised the issue of United States Agency for International Development’s alleged funding for “voter turnout” in India, asking ‘why the hell’ …

USAID funded 7 projects in India in 2023-24, unrelated to 'voter turnout': Centre
1 month ago

USAID funded 7 projects in India in 2023-24, unrelated to 'voter turnout': Centre

India Today  

Amid a raging political controversy over USAID’s alleged role in influencing Indian elections, the latest annual report of the Finance Ministry has disclosed that the agency funded seven projects worth USD 750 million in 2023-24. "Currently, seven projects worth a total budget of USD 750 million are being implemented by USAID in partnership with Government of India," as per the …

Did India receive $21 million for elections from US? USAID funding row explained
1 month ago

Did India receive $21 million for elections from US? USAID funding row explained

India Today  

A massive controversy erupted after Elon Musk's Department of Government Efficiency, in a post on social media platform X, announced its decision to slash a $21 million program designed to increase voter turnout in India, among other funding to several other countries. DOGE claimed that United States Agency for International Development, long regarded as the country's primary force for humanitarian …

Congress seeks white paper on foreign aid, questions PM and EAM's silence over Trump's 'insults' to India
1 month ago

Congress seeks white paper on foreign aid, questions PM and EAM's silence over Trump's 'insults' to India

New Indian Express  

Ever since the Trump administration's DOGE said on February 16 that USAID has cancelled the USD 21 million funding for "voting in India", the BJP has been making fabricated allegations against the Congress, Ramesh said in his post in Hindi on X. The controversy is actually about two USAID grants on DOGE's list that were given through the Washington-based Consortium …

‘Facts will come out’: S Jaishankar on Trump's claims about voter turnout fund
1 month ago

‘Facts will come out’: S Jaishankar on Trump's claims about voter turnout fund

Hindustan Times  

The information on the United States Agency for International Development’s involvement in election-related funding is “concerning” and the country should know if any people were linked to “bad faith activities”, external affairs minister S Jaishankar said on Saturday. {{^userSubscribed}} {{^usCountry}} {{/usCountry}} {{#usCountry}} {{/usCountry}} {{/userSubscribed}} {{^userSubscribed}} {{^usCountry}} {{/usCountry}} {{#usCountry}} {{/usCountry}} {{/userSubscribed}} Jaishankar, who was speaking at the Delhi University Literature Festival, …

Donald Trump highlights US funding of $21 million in India yet again, Indian Express 'fact-check' shared by Rajdeep and Zubair falls apart
1 month ago

Donald Trump highlights US funding of $21 million in India yet again, Indian Express 'fact-check' shared by Rajdeep and Zubair falls apart

Op India  

On Friday, President Donald Trump reiterated that the United States was funding projects to the tune of $21 million to ‘strengthen voter turnout in India.’ While interacting with Governors at the White House, he stated, “…21 million dollars going to my friend Prime Minister Modi in India for voter turnout. The controversial ‘fact-check’ by The Indian Express On Friday, The …

MEA says USAID funding in India "Deeply troubling"
1 month ago

MEA says USAID funding in India "Deeply troubling"

Op India  

India on Friday said that the United States’ administration’s information regarding funding in India is “deeply troubling” and has led to concerns regarding foreign interference in India’s internal affairs. Asked about President Donald Trump’s remarks about the funding of USD 21 million for “voter turnout in India”, Jaiswal said, “We have seen information that has been put out by the …

‘Deeply troubling’: Govt as USAID row heats up
1 month ago

‘Deeply troubling’: Govt as USAID row heats up

Hindustan Times  

The Indian government is looking into reports of the United States Agency for International Development funding election-related activities, the external affairs ministry said on Friday, describing the matter as “deeply troubling” since it related to foreign interference in internal affairs. ‘Deeply troubling’: Govt as USAID row heats up Various government agencies, departments and ministries are looking into the matter, which …

USAID row: Information from US 'concerning' says Jaishankar as Congress sharpens attack
1 month ago

USAID row: Information from US 'concerning' says Jaishankar as Congress sharpens attack

New Indian Express  

NEW DELHI: The political controversy surrounding the reported $21 million USAID funding for voter turnout in India continued on Saturday, with External Affairs Minister calling the accusations “worrisome”. “Some information has been put out there by the Trump administration people, and obviously, that is concerning… I think, as a government, we’re looking into it,” EAM Jaishankar said at the Delhi …

‘Deeply troubling’: New Delhi on USAID funding election-related activity in India
1 month ago

‘Deeply troubling’: New Delhi on USAID funding election-related activity in India

Hindustan Times  

NEW DELHI: The Indian government is looking into reports of the United States Agency for International Development funding election-related activities, with the external affairs ministry on Friday describing the matter as “deeply troubling” since it relates to foreign interference in internal affairs. USAID’s CEPPS programme was meant to strengthen local and national capacity to promote good governance Various government agencies, …

India says reports of $21-million USAID fund ‘deeply disturbing’
1 month ago

India says reports of $21-million USAID fund ‘deeply disturbing’

The Hindu  

The Union government on Friday said it was investigating “very deeply troubling” allegations made by the U.S. government that the United States Agency for International Development planned to spend $21 million on funding “voter turnout” in India. In the Indian government’s first reaction to the DOGE post, the Ministry of External Affairs said that different departments are “looking into” the …

USAID funding row: India says deeply troubling, relevant departments looking into matter
Trending News
1 month ago

USAID funding row: India says deeply troubling, relevant departments looking into matter

Live Mint  

The Ministry of External Affairs on Friday said that the ongoing controversy regarding the USAID's 'voter turnout' fund for India was ‘deeply troubling’. His comments come on the back of US President Donald Trump's remark that USAID’s $21 million funding to was India to “get someone else elected". In a speech in Miami on Wednesday, US President Donald Trump accused …

MEA reacts to DOGE's $21 million USAID fund claim: 'Deeply troubling'
1 month ago

MEA reacts to DOGE's $21 million USAID fund claim: 'Deeply troubling'

Hindustan Times  

Deeply concerning, said the Ministry of External Affairs on Friday on the information “put out by the US administration regarding certain USA activities and funding”. Official Spokesperson of the Ministry of External Affairs Randhir Jaiswal US President Donald Trump's recent allegation that American aid funds were being used to interfere in India's electoral process have sparked a political row. Donald …

Indian Express publishes misleading 'fact check' on USAID funding in India, Rajdeep Sardesai and Mohammed Zubair amplify claims
1 month ago

Indian Express publishes misleading 'fact check' on USAID funding in India, Rajdeep Sardesai and Mohammed Zubair amplify claims

Op India  

On Friday, The Indian Express published a misleading ‘fact-check’ in the hopes of downplaying allegations of foreign interference by the United States in the Indian elections. On Friday, The Indian Express published a report titled ‘Team Musk flags, Trump waves, but a fact-check: $21 million did not go to India for ‘voter turnout’, was for Bangladesh.’ The Indian Daily attempted …

Donald Trump calls $21 million USAID fund to India ‘kickback scheme’, sparks fresh BJP vs Cong war
1 month ago

Donald Trump calls $21 million USAID fund to India ‘kickback scheme’, sparks fresh BJP vs Cong war

Hindustan Times  

US President Donald Trump once again hit out at the now cancelled $21 million fund for ‘voter turnout' in India, calling it a “kickback scheme”. Elon Musk-led Department of Government Efficiency posted a list of cancelled US taxpayer-funded initiatives with a mention of USD 21 million earmarked for "voter turnout in India." "US taxpayer dollars were going to be spent …

USAID India fund fell to $1.5 mn under Modi regime, but rose for non-gov entities: ‘Aligns with Rahul Gandhi’s…’
1 month ago

USAID India fund fell to $1.5 mn under Modi regime, but rose for non-gov entities: ‘Aligns with Rahul Gandhi’s…’

Live Mint  

Amid all the chaos around USAID funding since Donald Trump came into power, data revealed that funding to the Government of India under PM Narendra Modi dropped to just $1.5 million from nearly $204 million under UPA regime. The data accessed by the media outlet also shows, funding from USAID to non-government entities in India, including funds for NGOs and …

‘Kickback scheme’: Donald Trump on $21 million USAID funding for voter turnout in India
1 month ago

‘Kickback scheme’: Donald Trump on $21 million USAID funding for voter turnout in India

Live Mint  

After US President Donald Trump once again raised concerns over the alleged allocation of USD 21 million by the US government for voter turnout in India, labelling it a “kickback scheme,” the Bharatiya Janata Party has accused the funds of being used to support “deep state assets” in India and called for an investigation into the matter. Watch the video …

USAID funds for India or Bangladesh? BJP, Congress spar over new report
1 month ago

USAID funds for India or Bangladesh? BJP, Congress spar over new report

India Today  

A full-blown war of words broke out between the BJP and the Congress over a new report claiming that the US's alleged $21 million funding "for voter turnout" was for Bangladesh, and not India. CONGRESS SAYS REPORT EXPOSES BJP'S LIES Citing the Express report, Congress leader Pawan Khera hit out at the BJP for pointing fingers at the opposition party …

Exclusive: USAID and abet – Is US funding 'elections' in India?
1 month ago

Exclusive: USAID and abet – Is US funding 'elections' in India?

India Today  

US President Donald Trump claimed that $21 million was given by USAID to India for “Voter Turnout”. USAID disbursed $650 million to India or 23 per cent between US FY2021 and US FY2024, with the highest grant received in US FY2022 alone when Joe Biden was president. Of the $26.6 million for “Government and Civil Society”, $14.6 million was given …

Deeply troubling: Government after Trump claims US election interference in India
1 month ago

Deeply troubling: Government after Trump claims US election interference in India

India Today  

The Centre on Friday raised serious concerns over recent remarks by US President Donald Trump, who alleged that the United States Agency for International Development allocated a USD 21 million fund to India with the intent of "influencing its electoral process". Addressing a weekly media briefing, Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal described the claims as "deeply troubling" and …

Congress demands white paper on past USAID funding in India
1 month, 1 week ago

Congress demands white paper on past USAID funding in India

The Hindu  

The Congress on Thursday demanded that the Union government bring out a white paper on USAID funding of both government and non-governmental institutions in India over the past decades. On Thursday, U.S. President Donald Trump had questioned USAID’s alleged expenditure of $21 million for “voter turnout” in India, saying, “I guess they were trying to get somebody else elected.” ‘Nonsensical …

Trump stirs controversy in India after DOGE scraps funding for ‘voter turnout’
1 month, 1 week ago

Trump stirs controversy in India after DOGE scraps funding for ‘voter turnout’

The Independent  

Sign up for the daily Inside Washington email for exclusive US coverage and analysis sent to your inbox Get our free Inside Washington email Get our free Inside Washington email SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy President Donald Trump defended the US Department of Government Efficiency's …

Donald Trump questions $21M USAID funding for India voter turnout
Top News
1 month, 1 week ago

Donald Trump questions $21M USAID funding for India voter turnout

Live Mint  

US President Donald Trump has questioned the rationale behind spending $21 million on voter turnout in India through the United States Agency for International Development. Trump's comments come after US government’s Department of Government Efficiency, led by billionaire Elon Musk, announced on February 16 that it had cancelled $21 million ‘taxpayer’ money intended for increasing ‘voter turnout in India’. Earlier, …

Donald Trump hints at USAID interference in India's elections: ‘They were trying to get somebody else elected’
1 month, 1 week ago

Donald Trump hints at USAID interference in India's elections: ‘They were trying to get somebody else elected’

Hindustan Times  

US President Donald Trump on Thursday hit out at the previous Joe Biden administration, accusing it of interfering in elections in India. While addressing the FII PRIORITY Summit in Miami, Trump said,"Why do we need to spend $21 million on voter turnout in India? Trump's claim comes a day after he defended the Department of Governance Efficiency decision to cancel …

Did US meddle in India’s elections via USAID? Donald Trump drops big hint, ‘trying to get someone else elected’
1 month, 1 week ago

Did US meddle in India’s elections via USAID? Donald Trump drops big hint, ‘trying to get someone else elected’

Live Mint  

In a crucial accusation regarding the Indian elections, US President Donald Trump on Wednesday once again questioned the rationale behind spending $21 million on voter turnout in India through USAID. Watch what Donald Trump said This follows the revelation by Elon Musk's DOGE that $21 million was allocated under USAID for "voter turnout in India," sparking a political uproar in …

Nonsensical: Congress seeks white paper amid Trump's poll meddling claim
1 month, 1 week ago

Nonsensical: Congress seeks white paper amid Trump's poll meddling claim

India Today  

The Congress on Thursday said US President Donald Trump's claim of USAID funds being used to interfere in India's election was "nonsensical". In a hard-hitting post on X, Congress's communications in-charge Jairam Ramesh demanded that the government bring out a white paper detailing USAID's support to both governmental and non-governmental institutions in India. Ramesh was reacting to Trump's insinuation that …

They have a lot more money: Trump questions $21 million fund for voter turnout in India
1 month, 1 week ago

They have a lot more money: Trump questions $21 million fund for voter turnout in India

The Hindu  

Following the U.S. Department of Government Efficiency decision to cancel the $21 million fund marked for 'Voter Turnout in India', President Donald Trump said that India, with its growing economy and high taxation rates, does not need such financial support. While he acknowledged his respect for India and Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Mr. Trump criticised the idea of funding voter …

’Have respect for PM Modi but…’: Donald Trump on scrapping $21 million ‘voter turnout’ fund to India
1 month, 1 week ago

’Have respect for PM Modi but…’: Donald Trump on scrapping $21 million ‘voter turnout’ fund to India

Live Mint  

Citing India's economic growth and 'high tariffs', the United States President Donald Trump on Tuesday supported the decision of the Department of Government Efficiency to scrap the $21 million fund marked for 'Voter Turnout in India'. Donald Trump backed Elon Musk's DOGE decision and said that India is “one of the highest taxing countries in the world in terms of …

‘They have a lot of money’: Donald Trump defends move to cancel $21 million fund on ‘voter turnout in India’
1 month, 1 week ago

‘They have a lot of money’: Donald Trump defends move to cancel $21 million fund on ‘voter turnout in India’

Hindustan Times  

US President Donald Trump on Wednesday defended the Department of Government Efficiency's decision to cancel a $21 million fund designated for ‘voter turnout in India’, saying that India, with its growing economy and high taxation rates, did not need such financial support. US President Donald Trump defends DOGE move to cancel $21 million USAID on voter turnout in India "Why …

Donald Trump questions $21 million fund for voter turnout in India: ‘They have a lot more money’
1 month, 1 week ago

Donald Trump questions $21 million fund for voter turnout in India: ‘They have a lot more money’

India TV News  

Donald Trump questions $21 million fund for voter turnout in India: ‘They have a lot more money’ While he acknowledged his respect for India and its Prime Minister, Trump criticised the idea of funding voter turnout initiatives in the country. I have a lot of respect for India and their Prime Minister, but giving $21 million for voter turnout," Trump …

Elon Musk’s DOGE cancels $21M India voter fund: BJP calls it ‘interference’, Congress hits back– Full row in 5 points
1 month, 1 week ago

Elon Musk’s DOGE cancels $21M India voter fund: BJP calls it ‘interference’, Congress hits back– Full row in 5 points

Live Mint  

Elon Musk's DOGE cancels $21M India voter fund: The US government’s Department of Government Efficiency, led by billionaire Elon Musk, announced on February 16 that it had cancelled $21 million ‘taxpayer’ money intended for increasing ‘voter turnout in India’. External interference: BJP Before Kohli, in-charge of BJP’s National Information and Technology Department, Amit Malviya said the $21 million for voter …

How media misrepresented US halting $21M funding to Indian government
1 month, 1 week ago

How media misrepresented US halting $21M funding to Indian government

Op India  

On 16 February, the Department of Government Efficiency, United States, published a post on X announcing a list of funding initiatives that were recently stopped or cancelled. Journalist Ranvijay SIngh put up a screenshot of Jansatta report and wrote, “Trump and Elon Musk have jointly stopped India’s ₹182 crore funding. Source: X In a post on X, Congress’s Vice Chairman …

Ex-Poll Body Chief Rejects DOGE's $21 Million For 'Voter Turnout In India' Claim, Says 'Not An Iota Of Fact'
Trending News
1 month, 1 week ago

Ex-Poll Body Chief Rejects DOGE's $21 Million For 'Voter Turnout In India' Claim, Says 'Not An Iota Of Fact'

ABP News  

Elon Musk-led United States Department of Government Efficiency on Saturday announced a series of expenditure cuts, including a $21 million US tax payer-funded grant under former President Joe Biden's administration to influence "voter turnout in India". US taxpayer dollars were going to be spent on the following items, all which have been cancelled: - $10M for "Mozambique voluntary medical male …

‘USAID is biggest scam’: PM Modi’s advisor Sanjeev Sanyal on DOGE’s ‘$21mn for voter turnout in India’ claim
1 month, 1 week ago

‘USAID is biggest scam’: PM Modi’s advisor Sanjeev Sanyal on DOGE’s ‘$21mn for voter turnout in India’ claim

Live Mint  

Sanjeev Sanyal, Member, Economic Advisory Council to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, questioned the US Department of Government Efficiency's claim that it cancelled "$21M for voter turnout in India" and "$29M to strengthening political landscape in Bangladesh." In a post on X on Sunday, Sanjeev Sanyal said, "Would love to find out who received the US$21mn spent to improve "voter turnout …

US: DOGE cancels $22 million intended for 'voter turnout in India'
Trending News
1 month, 1 week ago

US: DOGE cancels $22 million intended for 'voter turnout in India'

Deccan Chronicle  

Washington DC: The US Department of Government Efficiency, led by Elon Musk has announced cancelling a USD 22 million funding intended for "voter turnout in India" on Saturday. In a post on X, the official DOGE handle listed the number of spendings by the US taxpayer that have been cancelled, including "USD 21M for voter turnout in India." ""USD 486M …

US Was Trying To Influence Indian Elections? Elon Musk-Led DOGE Cancels USD 22 Million Intended For 'Voter Turnout In India'
Top News
1 month, 1 week ago

US Was Trying To Influence Indian Elections? Elon Musk-Led DOGE Cancels USD 22 Million Intended For 'Voter Turnout In India'

ABP News  

The US Department of Government Efficiency, led by Elon Musk has recently announced that the department is cancelling a USD 22 million funding that was intended for "voter turnout in India." US taxpayer dollars were going to be spent on the following items, all which have been cancelled: - $10M for "Mozambique voluntary medical male circumcision" - $9.7M for UC …

US cancels $21M funding for 'voter turnout' in India, $29M for Bangladesh crisis
Trending News
1 month, 1 week ago

US cancels $21M funding for 'voter turnout' in India, $29M for Bangladesh crisis

India Today  

The United States has cancelled millions of dollars in funding for several countries, including India and Bangladesh as the new administration led by President Donald Trump makes budget cut. Elon Musk's Department of Government Efficiency on Sunday announced that the US has decided to slash a $21 million program designed to increase voter turnout in India and a $29 million …

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