Will the Union government release a white paper on the USAID funding in India in the wake of US President Donald Trump dropping the hint that the Joe Biden administration wanted to get someone else elected in India?
The controversy erupted after Trump defended the decision to stop USAID funding to India by saying, “Why do we need to spend $21 million on voter turnout in India?”
What Did US President Donald Trump Say?
All hell broke down after he said, “I guess they were trying to get somebody else elected. We have got to tell the Indian Government… This is a total breakthrough.”
In what may be called an attempt to take the air out of the BJP’s sail, Congress has asked the Union government to come out with a white paper on the USAID funding in India.
Congress Demands White Paper On USAID Fundings
Taking to the social media platform X, Congress General Secretary and Communication-in-charge Jairam Ramesh, wrote in a post, “Even so, the Government of India should bring out a White Paper at the earliest detailing USAID’s support to both governmental and non-governmental institutions in India over the decades.”
He added, “USAID is very much in the news these days. Claims being made by the US President are typically nonsensical to say the least.”
What Did DOGE Chief Elon Musk Say?
After the US Department Of Government Efficiency (DOGE) chief Elon Musk announced to stop USAID India funding, BJP launched a slugfest alleging interference in the country’s election process.
Calling the USAID grant ‘external interference’ in India’s elections, Amit Malaviya questioned who the beneficiary was and emphasised that it was certainly not the ruling party.
Strings Attached With USAID Funding
Analysts believe strings remain attached to USAID funding as development assistance is not completely apolitical and serves certain purposes of the donor.
It is challenging for the donour country as well as the recipient nations. After the money is spent, it creates new interest groups and sometimes the groups clash with old interest groups.
It is a fact that bilateral grants influence not only the development or society but also the politics of the recipient country.
What Is USAID?
Established by then-US President John F. Kennedy in 1961 to unite foreign assistance organisations and programmes under one umbrella, the agency implements programmes in disaster relief, socioeconomic development, global health, environmental protection, democratic governance and education.
One of the largest aid agencies in the world, the USAID has an average budget of $23 billion. Its mission is spread in more than 100 countries. Diplomats of the donour country have to keep an eye on the NGOs and analye how and where the money is spent.
It is also to be analysed how the money spent helps the US interest.
