India’s External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar stated on Saturday that the government is investigating claims made by the Trump administration about potential foreign interference in Indian elections, asserting that “facts will come out.”
During the Delhi University Literature Festival, Jaishankar responded to concerns following US President Donald Trump’s assertion that the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) allocated $21 million to enhance voter turnout in India. Trump questioned if these funds were intended to “get someone else elected.”
In reply to a query from moderator Sanjeev Sanyal, Jaishankar confirmed that USAID was allowed to operate in India “in good faith, to do good faith activities.” However, he highlighted emerging suggestions from the United States that there may be “activities which are in bad faith.”
Jaishankar emphasized, “Some information has been disseminated by Trump administration officials, which is concerning. It implies there are activities aimed at promoting a specific narrative or viewpoint.” He assured that the government is thoroughly investigating the situation. “As a government, we are looking into it, because such organizations have an obligation to report. My sense is, the facts will come out,” he remarked.
On Thursday, US President Trump raised concerns about USAID’s $21 million funding for voter turnout in India, questioning whether it was aimed at influencing electoral outcomes.
In response, India’s Ministry of External Affairs labeled the revelations about USAID funding for certain activities as “deeply troubling,” raising alarms over potential foreign interference in India’s internal affairs. Ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal stated during a weekly briefing that “relevant departments and agencies are investigating this matter.” He reiterated concerns regarding the US administration’s statements and indicated that the government is diligently examining the issue while withholding a detailed public statement for now.
