India's Ministry of External Affairs has officially asked the US Embassy to furnish it with a detailed report of USAID-funded projects in India for the past decade. This is against the backdrop of reports that USAID funds were used in an effort to politicize the vote in India.
The controversy followed when the former US President Donald Trump alleged that $21 million was spent by USAID to increase voting figures in India, which raised controversies regarding possible foreign intervention into the electoral process of India.
Minister of State for External Affairs Kirti Vardhan Singh told the Rajya Sabha that the government has asked for information on NGOs running USAID-funded programs. Yet no formal response has come from the US administration so far.
The MEA underscored the need for transparency, saying that though certain information is in the public domain, an official clarification is needed to allay fears of mismanagement of funds.
External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar also showed concern over the allegations, saying that USAID was permitted to function in India in "good faith" and any abuse of this trust would be viewed seriously.
Simultaneously, the Congress party has sharpened the demand for a white paper on USAID money and sought explanation as to how such funds were being spent.
Congress spokesperson Pawan Khera pointed out that large sums of money had been pouring in over the years and emphasized that the government needs to be answerable.
The government is waiting for a detailed report from the US Embassy to facilitate transparency and answer increasing questions about foreign interference in India's domestic affairs.
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