NEW DELHI: US President Donald Trump ignited a political controversy by criticizing the U.S. Agency for International Development’s (USAID) allocation of US $21 million intended to enhance voter turnout in India. At the Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC), Trump questioned the rationale behind such foreign aid, suggesting that the funds could be better utilized within the United States. He remarked, “Why the hell? Why don’t we just go to old paper ballots and let them help us with their elections? Voter ID. Wouldn’t that be nice?”

Trump launched fresh criticism of USAID on Sunday, alleging that the agency’s funds were being used to interfere in India’s election process. He questioned why the US was providing aid to India, particularly when the country already benefits from high tariffs imposed on American goods.

“Eighteen million dollars for helping India with its elections. Why the hell? Why don’t we just go to old paper ballots, and let them help us with their elections, right? Voter ID. Wouldn’t that be nice? We’re giving money to India for elections. They don’t need money,” President Trump said at CPAC in Washington.

India’s Ministry of External Affairs expressed concern over these statements, calling them “deeply troubling.” Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal stated that relevant departments were examining the issue and emphasized India’s commitment to safeguarding its democratic processes from foreign interference. External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar addressed the concerns raised by Trump’s allegations, reaffirming India’s stance on the integrity of its elections.

Trump’s criticism has intensified political tensions within India. The ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) accused the opposition Congress Party of benefiting from foreign funds, while the Congress Party, in turn, criticized the BJP for allegedly accepting foreign aid. This has led to a fresh debate on the intersection of foreign aid, national sovereignty, and electoral integrity.

The controversy highlights the delicate balance between international assistance and national interests, with both sides asserting their positions on the role of foreign influence in domestic affairs.