Trump Calls USAID's India Funding A 'Kickback Scheme': 5 Key Remarks That Sparked BJP Vs Congress Political Slugfest

(MENAFN- Live Mint) In the past week, US President Donald Trump has made bold statements regarding the US Agency for International Development (USAID) funding allocated to India, particularly the $21 million intended to boost voter turnout. His comments have stirred significant controversy, leading to a political clash between India's two major political parties, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the Congress Party. Doubling down on his stance, the US President has repeatedly argued that India 'does not need the money; he has also called for cuts in international aid.

This controversy emerged after the US Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) moved to cancel millions of dollars in foreign aid, including the funding earmarked for India, as part of a broader effort to reduce government expenditures.

Also Read | $21 million going to 'my friend' PM Modi...: Trump's third jibe on USAID | Watch Here are five key remarks made by Trump that fueled the debate1)Criticism of Election Funding

At the Conservative Political Action Conference, Trump expressed frustration over the $18 million allocated to India for its elections, asking,“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?"reported news agency ANI. He argued that India didn't need the money, further questioning why US funds were directed towards India's voter turnout efforts.

2) Voter Turnout Funding in India

While speaking at a 'Governors Working Session' on Friday, Donald Trump said,“Twenty-one million dollars going to my friend Prime Minister Modi in India for voter turnout. We're giving 21 million for voter turnout in India. What about us? I want voter turnout, too.”

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