Washington, Feb 23: Former US President Donald Trump has claimed that the Biden administration allocated $18 million to India to support its elections, questioning the necessity of such funding.
Speaking at the Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC) on Saturday, Trump repeatedly criticized the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) for reportedly providing financial assistance to India for “voter turnout.” He also accused India of taking advantage of the US.
“$18 million to help India with elections? Why? Why don’t we just use paper ballots and let them help us with our elections instead? Voter ID—wouldn’t that be nice? India doesn’t need this money,” Trump said.
He further alleged that India imposes high tariffs on US goods while still receiving financial aid from America. “They are one of the highest tariff nations in the world. We face a 200% tariff there, yet we’re giving them money for elections,” he remarked.
Trump also criticized USAID for allocating $29 million to Bangladesh, claiming it was intended to “strengthen the political landscape” and support a “radical left communist” in the country, though he did not specify whom he was referring to.
His remarks follow earlier claims that the Biden administration allocated $21 million to India for voter turnout, a statement that has sparked controversy. Indian External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar expressed concern over these allegations, stating that the Indian government is reviewing the claims.
Speaking at an event in New Delhi, Jaishankar said USAID was allowed in India “in good faith” for legitimate activities, but if the funding was used for improper purposes, “the country should know who is involved in such bad faith activities.”
India’s opposition Congress party has urged Prime Minister Narendra Modi to address the allegations directly with Trump.
Trump had previously raised similar accusations at a Republican Governors Association meeting, calling the alleged $21 million funding a “kickback” scheme. His claims gained traction after the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), led by Elon Musk, reported that USAID had contributed $21 million to India’s Election Commission to enhance voter turnout. However, DOGE later stated on February 16 that all such expenditures had been canceled.
