August 21, 2025

NEW DELHI: A buzzing controversy just got a spicy update! The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) told Rajya Sabha on Thursday that the US Embassy in India denied claims made earlier by former US President Donald Trump. The claim was that USAID gave $21 million to boost voter turnout in India. But guess what? The US Embassy says USAID never gave that money for voter turnout in India. In a written answer, Minister of State for External Affairs Kirti Vardhan Singh shared the embassy’s official statement: "USAID/India did not receive or provide funding of $21 million for voter turnout in India from fiscal years 2014 to 2024, nor has it implemented any voter turnout-related activities in India." This clarification follows a big news from February 2025. The US Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) had announced canceling $486 million in USAID funding worldwide. They mentioned an alleged $21 million was planned for "increasing voter turnout in India." Donald Trump himself used this as an example of US aid being wasted. Curious to find truth? The MEA quickly asked the US Embassy for full details of USAID projects in India over the last ten years. In July, the embassy provided a clear funding breakdown. They again stressed no voter turnout programs were ever funded in India. Here’s the hot update: USAID activities in India are now completely closed. On August 11, the US embassy told India that all seven Partnership Agreements with the Indian government ended because USAID is shutting down globally. Official data shared in Parliament shows USAID funds between 2022 and 2024 supported causes like Tibetan community welfare, education for marginalized children, fighting air pollution, renewable energy projects, and HIV/AIDS help. But not a single rupee went to elections. So, the big question remains: Did voter turnout in India get any American dollars? According to the US Embassy and India’s MEA – definitely not! The political drama unfolds with facts straight from the highest offices. What’s your take?

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Tags: Usaid, Voter turnout, India-us relations, Donald trump, Ministry of external affairs, Rajya sabha,