New Delhi: In the midst of a heated political debate, India’s Finance Ministry has clarified that USAID’s substantial investment of $750 million in the fiscal year 2023-24 was directed towards critical sectors such as agriculture, health, renewable energy, and disaster management. This clarification comes as a response to allegations that USAID funds were used to influence voter turnout in Indian elections. The controversy has been fueled by claims from the Trump administration, which have been vehemently denied by both the Indian government and opposition parties.
The seven projects funded by USAID are part of a broader bilateral development assistance program between the U.S. and India, which began in 1951. Over the years, USAID has provided over $17 billion in economic assistance to India across more than 555 projects. For the financial year 2023-24, an obligation of approximately $97 million was made under these projects, which include initiatives like the Sustainable Forests and Climate Adaptation Program and the Energy Efficiency Technology Commercialization and Innovation Project.
External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar has expressed concern over the allegations made by the Trump administration, stating that USAID’s activities in India were conducted in good faith. The Congress party has accused the BJP of spreading misinformation, asserting that the claims about USAID funding for voter turnout were false and that the actual funding was for projects in Bangladesh.
