External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar has expressed significant concern regarding allegations that the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) allocated $21 million for voter turnout initiatives in India.
Jaishankar emphasized that USAID was initially allowed to operate in India “in good faith” for humanitarian purposes, but that the recent allegations suggest some activities may have been conducted “in bad faith,” necessitating scrutiny. He called these claims “concerning and worrisome” and confirmed that the Indian government is actively investigating the matter, which has been brought to light by statements from the Trump administration. “If there is something to it, then the country should know who are the people involved in the bad faith activities,” highlighting the seriousness of possible foreign meddling in India’s electoral processes.
Speaking at a gathering in New Delhi, Jaishankar noted that security in the modern digital age goes beyond conventional military issues and includes the ways in which narratives and perceptions are influenced by NGOs and technology, among other sources.
He called it a “very dangerous and Machiavellian game” and said that such effects could erode public confidence in democracy.
Randhir Jaiswal, a spokesman for the Ministry of External Affairs, described the accusations as “deeply troubling,” adding that the claims are being investigated by the appropriate authorities. “It would be premature to comment further until investigations yield more information,” Jaiswal said.
