Jaishankar Responds to USAID Allegations: Concerns Over Foreign Interference
External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar expressed concern over recent revelations from the Trump administration regarding USAID activities in India, calling the information “concerning” and “worrisome.” Speaking to media on Saturday, Jaishankar indicated that the Indian government is examining the allegations closely.
The controversy revolves around reports suggesting that USAID activities in India may not have been in good faith, as originally intended. Jaishankar noted that the funding was initially allowed to support positive activities, but recent claims from the US raise questions about the real objectives behind the funding. “If there’s something to it, then the country should know who the people are involved in it,” Jaishankar stated, hinting at potential efforts to influence narratives or political outcomes in India.
On Friday, former President Trump publicly referred to USAID’s funding to India, which was allegedly aimed at boosting voter turnout. This comment raised alarms about potential foreign interference in India’s democratic processes. In response, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) described the reports as deeply troubling, noting that they pointed to foreign influence in India’s internal affairs. MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal emphasized that relevant departments are investigating the issue, but it was premature to make further comments at this stage.
The issue has sparked a political debate, with the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) accusing Congress MP Rahul Gandhi of collaborating with foreign entities to undermine Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The BJP’s allegations are based on the claim that USAID’s funding, aimed at influencing voter turnout, is connected to foreign interests, including American investor George Soros and US politician Ilhan Omar, both of whom have been critical of Modi’s government.
In contrast, the Congress party has called for greater transparency, demanding a comprehensive white paper detailing all international funds received by political entities in India, including those from foreign aid agencies and multilateral organizations. The political fallout from these revelations is continuing to unfold, with both the BJP and Congress sharply divided on the issue of foreign influence in India’s elections.
