The Indian government has raised serious concerns over former U.S. President Donald Trump’s claim that the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) allocated $21 million to influence India's electoral process.

Addressing a press briefing on Friday, Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal described the allegations as “deeply troubling” and confirmed that Indian authorities are investigating the matter.

Trump’s remarks came after the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), led by Elon Musk, disclosed that USAID had contributed $21 million to India’s Election Commission to boost voter turnout. On February 16, DOGE released a list of expenditures made using U.S. taxpayer funds, including the India allocation, stating that all such funding had since been cancelled.

During a speech in Miami, Trump questioned the rationale behind the funding, stating, “Why are we spending $21 million to increase voter turnout in India? I guess they were trying to get someone else elected.” He claimed that the Biden administration had intended to interfere in India’s 2024 Lok Sabha elections.

Jaiswal, while responding to Trump’s claim, said, “We are aware of these statements and find them concerning. Relevant departments are examining the matter, and we will provide updates when appropriate.”

Trump’s statement ignited a political controversy in India. The ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) accused Congress leader Rahul Gandhi of collaborating with foreign forces to weaken the country. BJP’s IT cell chief Amit Malviya alleged that the $21 million was used to sustain deep-state assets in India, who worked to cover up such revelations. He dismissed claims that Trump had confused this funding with $29 million allocated to Bangladesh, asserting that it was meant for political manoeuvring in India.

Congress strongly denied the allegations, citing an Indian Express report that stated USAID had not allocated any election-related funds to India since 2008. Congress spokesperson Pawan Khera criticised the Modi government, arguing that if such a large sum had entered India under its watch, it would be a “matter of national shame.”

He further questioned why the Modi government, when confronted, claimed the funding had entered during the UPA regime in 2012. Khera challenged the BJP to clarify whether it had benefited from the funds in the 2014 elections. Congress also demanded that the central government release a white paper detailing USAID funding and other financial contributions from foreign agencies.

As the controversy unfolds, the Indian government continues its investigation into Trump’s claim regarding USAID’s funding. The issue has sparked a heated political debate, with BJP and Congress trading accusations. Meanwhile, the MEA has assured that relevant agencies are examining the matter and will provide further updates in due course.