US President Donald Trump's recent assertion that the United States spent $21 million to increase voter turnout in India's elections has ignited a political storm. During a summit in Miami, Trump remarked, "We have got to tell the Indian government." This statement has prompted reactions from various political figures in India, with the country's Election Commission yet to respond.
Former Indian election chief SY Qureshi, who served from 2010 to 2012, denied any knowledge of such funding during his tenure. He emphasized that there was "no financial or legal obligation on either side" regarding such a transaction. Despite Trump's strong claims, neither he nor Elon Musk's company, Doge, has provided evidence that USAID allocated $21 million for this purpose.
The Congress party, a major political entity in India, dismissed Trump's allegations as "nonsensical." Conversely, the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) labeled the alleged payout as "external interference," accusing the opposition Congress party of seeking such intervention. BJP leader Amit Malviya referenced Congress leader Rahul Gandhi's activities abroad, stating, "Rahul Gandhi was in London, urging foreign powers – from the US to Europe – to intervene in India's internal affairs."
Further complicating matters, Doge announced the cancellation of several projects, including a supposed $21 million payout intended for India. Reports from the Indian Express newspaper indicate that this sum was actually sanctioned for Bangladesh, not India. The newspaper also revealed that an agreement between India's poll panel and a group linked to George Soros' foundation was signed during Qureshi's term in 2012. This agreement was scheduled to run until July 2025, with $13.4 million reportedly already spent.
Congress leader Jairam Ramesh urged the Indian government to clarify USAID's longstanding support of both governmental and non-governmental institutions during Prime Minister Narendra Modi's tenure. This controversy emerged shortly after Modi's first visit to Washington under Trump's second term. During this visit, Trump announced expanded military sales, increased energy exports, and plans for a trade deal and new defense framework.