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3mo ago

Finance Ministry Confirms $750M USAID Funding for Seven Indian Projects in FY24

Political tensions rise over false claims of USAID funds for voter turnout in India, as government investigates allegations.

Donald Trump’s remarks come after Indian foreign minister S Jaishankar reacted to his allegations regarding the USAID funding for elections in India.
Congress MP Jairam Ramesh speaks in the Rajya Sabha during the Budget Session, in New Delhi.
A USAID and American flag flag fly outside the USAID building in Washington DC on February 3, 2025.
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Overview

  • The Finance Ministry's annual report revealed that USAID funded seven development projects in India worth $750 million during the 2023-24 fiscal year.
  • The projects focus on agriculture, renewable energy, water and sanitation, disaster management, health, sustainable forests, and energy efficiency, with no funding allocated for voter turnout initiatives.
  • Controversy emerged after U.S. President Donald Trump and Elon Musk's DOGE claimed $21 million was allocated by USAID to boost voter turnout in India, which was later debunked.
  • Congress has demanded a white paper from the Indian government, alleging silence over repeated 'insults' by Trump and Musk and calling for transparency on all USAID funding in India.
  • Investigations revealed the $21 million claim was inaccurate, with evidence showing the funds were allocated for election-related programs in Bangladesh, not India.