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The ongoing controversy surrounding the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) funding in India has ignited a significant political dispute. U.S. President Donald Trump’s assertion that USAID funds influenced voter turnout in India has been outrightly dismissed by the Indian government. Clarifications from the Finance Ministry have reinforced that USAID’s financial contributions in India remain confined to developmental initiatives and have no connection to electoral processes. Nevertheless, the Congress party has seized this opportunity to push its anti-government rhetoric, continuing its pattern of destabilising narratives.

USAID Funding in India: Truth Versus Accusations

The Finance Ministry’s 2023-24 annual report outlines that USAID participated in seven projects in India, collectively amounting to approximately $750 million. These projects were focused on agriculture, water sanitation, renewable energy, disaster management, and health. Notably, there was no mention of any allocation for voter turnout initiatives.

Refuting Trump’s claims, investigative reports confirmed that the disputed $21 million was actually assigned to Bangladesh in 2022 for student engagement programs ahead of their 2024 elections. Of this, $13.4 million had already been dispensed before Trump’s allegations surfaced. Despite these factual corrections, Trump persisted with his stance, further straining diplomatic ties.

External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar directly addressed the controversy, asserting that USAID’s presence in India operates in good faith and that accusations of election meddling were unfounded. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) deemed Trump’s statements “deeply concerning” and reiterated that India’s electoral integrity remains intact and independent.

Congress����ֱ�� Involvement in Promoting Foreign Narratives?

Despite the issue being addressed with official statements, the opposition, led by Congress, has relentlessly attacked the government, exploiting these foreign-origin allegations of electoral interference. Many argue that this is yet another instance of Congress aligning with international elements to propagate an anti-India agenda.

The OCCRP Allegations

Congress has consistently relied on reports from the Organised Crime and Corruption Reporting Project (OCCRP) to undermine the Central government and major Indian enterprises. These reports, despite being repeatedly invalidated by courts and investigative agencies, have been used in Parliament to obstruct proceedings. The Pegasus spyware controversy was also fueled by OCCRP claims, which were amplified by Congress leaders, including Rahul Gandhi, to destabilise the country’s economic and political framework.

Intriguingly, Rahul Gandhi has maintained links with Mushfiqul Fazal Ansarey, a Bangladeshi journalist and former OCCRP fellow. In 2024, Bangladesh����ֱ�� interim government appointed him as an ambassador. This connection raises further questions about Congress����ֱ�� associations with global groups aiming to disrupt South Asian stability.

The Asia Foundation and Its Alleged CIA Connections

Another controversial entity, the Asia Foundation, was originally established in 1954 as a covert CIA initiative. It has received funding from the Ford Foundation, an integral part of George Soros����ֱ�� network, and has been known to support Pakistan����ֱ�� position on Jammu & Kashmir. Congress����ֱ�� indirect affiliations with such groups cast doubt on its commitment to India’s sovereignty.

Freedom House and its Role in Shaping Global Narratives

Freedom House, largely financed by George Soros����ֱ�� Open Society Foundations (OSF), has consistently rated India as “Partly Free” since 2021, accusing the government of suppressing minorities. This organization collaborates with international media outlets, particularly in Five Eyes nations, to propagate a skewed view of India. Despite being U.S.-based, Freedom House works closely with USAID, further intertwining foreign influence in India’s political discourse.

Critics argue that Congress����ֱ�� desperation to regain power has driven it to align with global institutions notorious for electoral manipulation.

CEPPS and Allegations of Electoral Influence

The Consortium for Elections and Political Process Strengthening (CEPPS), backed by USAID, has been accused of influencing elections in various countries. Reports indicate that USAID funneled $21 million into India for ‘voter turnout’ efforts via CEPPS during the 2014 elections, at a time when the Congress-led UPA government was in charge.

USCIRF and its Persistent Targeting of India

The U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF), allegedly influenced by the Indian American Muslim Council (IAMC), has repeatedly pushed for India to be designated as a “Country of Particular Concern.” This lobbying, supported by U.S.-based groups, has been seen as an attempt to tarnish India����ֱ�� image on the global stage.

India����ֱ�� Firm Stance Against External Influence

Time and again, New Delhi has emphasized that foreign entities will not dictate its electoral or governance processes. The MEA and Finance Ministry have provided extensive clarifications debunking allegations of election interference. Additionally, the BJP-led government has actively exposed Congress����ֱ�� role in amplifying foreign-backed narratives.

While Congress presents itself as a champion of democracy, its inclination to collaborate with international agencies—many with ties to intelligence networks and vested geopolitical interests—raises fundamental concerns about its real agenda. Through the dissemination of misleading narratives and leveraging global reports, Congress has not only attempted to weaken the Indian government but also tarnished the nation’s reputation on the world stage.

Reference: https://www.oneindia.com/india/india-clears-air-on-usaid-funding-as-congress-pushes-its-destabilisation-agenda-4082665.html