External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar expressed concerns regarding allegations that the US sent $21 million to influence elections in India, initially raised by former President Donald Trump. Jaishankar emphasized the potential risks of foreign narratives affecting national stability and indicated that the Indian government is investigating the matter. He highlighted that USAID’s historical role in India was intended for good faith initiatives but raised alarms over possible bad faith activities linked to the alleged funding. The BJP has called for an inquiry into this funding, suspecting it may support a “deep state” in India, with the Enforcement Directorate examining involved entities.
New Delhi:
External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar has expressed concerns regarding information from the US indicating that millions of dollars were sent to India, purportedly with the intent to sway elections.
Former President Donald Trump initially brought up the topic of alleged funding amounting to $21 million for “voter turnout” in India shortly after taking office from Joe Biden.
“Your security can be compromised without you even stepping outside your home, as your thoughts, influences, narratives, morale, and sense of right and wrong all stem from what you read on your phone and the images you encounter daily,” Mr. Jaishankar stated at the Delhi University Literature Festival.
“… Certain information has been disseminated by individuals from the Trump administration, which is obviously troubling,” the External Affairs Minister added.
“This would imply that activities are being conducted with a specific aim to promote a narrative or perspective. As a government, we are investigating, since such organizations are required to report their activities. My belief is that the facts will emerge,” Mr. Jaishankar remarked, referencing President Trump’s announcement that the US Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) had released a list of cancelled US taxpayer-funded projects, which included a mention of $21 million allocated for “voter turnout in India.”
“Now, I see comments about certain individuals dealing with USAID or others. It’s not a matter of whether you engage with USAID. Historically, USAID has been operational here. However, it was permitted here in good faith, to conduct benevolent projects. Allegations from America suggest there may be activities operating in bad faith. Therefore, it definitely deserves scrutiny,” he explained.
“If there is validity to these claims, I believe the public should be informed about those involved in these supposedly unethical actions,” Mr. Jaishankar concluded.
#WATCH | Delhi: Regarding USAID, EAM S Jaishankar mentioned, “…Certain information has been disseminated by individuals from the Trump administration, and that is indeed concerning… As a government, we are investigating, and my sense is that the facts will come to light… USAID was permitted here… pic.twitter.com/UZT5aimfXX
— ANI (@ANI) February 22, 2025
Mr. Jaishankar’s statements came on a day when the BJP demanded an investigation into the alleged US funding of $21 million for voter turnout in India and “kickbacks”, claiming that the funds were used to uphold “deep state assets” within India.
Additionally, President Trump reiterated his scrutiny of the US government’s allocation of the $21 million, labeling it a “kickback scheme”.
The Enforcement Directorate, along with other security and financial agencies, has begun preliminary measures to identify Indian entities and individuals who acted as channels for the now-defunct USAID’s $21 million aimed at influencing voter turnout, according to news agency IANS.
Non-profits, social workers, media organizations, and businesses are currently being investigated by the ED for suspected violations of anti-money laundering laws in an alleged transnational conspiracy, as reported by sources.
With inputs from ANI