Congress leader Pawan Khera has challenged the Modi government to refute Trump’s claims about USAID funding, demanding a white paper on foreign financial contributions. As political tensions rise, the issue threatens to impact India-U.S. relations.
BY PC Bureau
U.S. President Donald Trump has reignited controversy over alleged U.S. funding for elections in India, declaring that the country does not need American financial assistance. Speaking at the Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC), Trump criticized the reported $18 million grant from the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) to support electoral processes in India.
“Why the hell are we giving $18 million to India for elections? They don’t need the money. Why don’t we just go to old paper ballots and let them help us with our elections, right? Voter ID. Wouldn’t that be nice?” Trump said, doubling down on his opposition to foreign aid.
He also took aim at India’s trade policies, accusing the country of imposing excessively high tariffs on U.S. goods while benefiting from American financial assistance. “They take advantage of us pretty good. One of the highest tariffed nations in the world. We try and sell something, they have a 200 percent tariff. And then we’re giving them a lot of money to help with their election.”
India’s Response and BJP’s Stance
Trump’s comments came after External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar calling the allegations “concerning” and confirming that the government is looking into them. He stressed that USAID’s presence in India had been permitted under the assumption of “good faith” but acknowledged that the claims required scrutiny.
“Some information has been put out there by the Trump administration people, and obviously, that is concerning… If there is any truth to it, the country deserves to know who was involved,” Jaishankar stated. His remarks align with the BJP’s position that foreign influence in India’s elections is unacceptable and warrants thorough investigation.
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Congress’s Response
The opposition Congress party has seized upon the controversy to challenge the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). Congress spokesperson Pawan Khera criticized the Modi government for its silence on the issue and demanded transparency regarding any foreign funding received.
“The Prime Minister must come
Narendra Modi himself has destabilized his country by going to America.
Modi went to America and came back after hearing Trump's threat.
• Trump said: Will end BRICS – Modi was smiling
• Trump said: Will impose tariffs on India – Modi was smiling
• Trump imposed junk… pic.twitter.com/aI8t8a0uBY
— Asma (@asmatasleem13) February 21, 2025
forward and refute these allegations. The nation deserves a white paper detailing all funds received from international agencies,” Khera asserted. He also accused the BJP of “selective finger-pointing” and called for legal action against those spreading misinformation.
ALSO READ: Congress Questions Modi Government Over Trump’s USAID Claim
The controversy has intensified the political discourse between the BJP and Congress. The BJP is likely to use Trump’s remarks to reinforce its stance on national sovereignty and opposition to foreign interference. Conversely, Congress is pressing for accountability and clarity on the government’s dealings with international agencies.
