Are the allegations that USAID is being used to manipulate elections in India merely a storm in a teacup, or is there some substance to these rumours?
Over the last three days—and a week after Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to the US—allegations have been rife that the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) allocated $21 million to influence voter turnout in India. During a press conference, after Elon Musk-led DOGE slashed government funds to USAID, US President Donald Trump said, “…and $21 million for voter turnout in India. Why are we giving $21 million to India? They got a lot of money there. One of the highest taxing countries in the world in terms of us. We can hardly get in there because their tariffs are so high.” The next day, he reiterated: “And $21 million 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, governor?”
The controversy began when the US Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) released information suggesting that USAID had earmarked $21 million for “voter turnout” initiatives in India.
Truth or dare?
The old adage goes that the truth will always come out. Modi and the ruling BJP has long alleged that a ‘foreign hand’ is rife in attempting to influence how India votes. Just prior to the 2024 polls in May, while addressing a political rally, PM Modi said, “Foreign powers are attempting to influence India’s elections, but are doomed to fail.” Earlier, in April 2024, Antony Blinken had released a report expressing apprehension about whether elections in India would be “free and fair”, which the government of India, of course, rejected.
In my article dated 20 January 2025, I had mentioned that “the Democratic administration’s interference—allegedly influenced by George Soros-funded initiatives—negatively impacted India through the Bangladesh crisis, farmers’ protest and other activities.”
Also read: MEA says reports of USAID funding voter turnout in India ‘deeply troubling, looking into it’
Free lunch?
USAID was set up in 1961 by President John F Kennedy ostensibly as the humanitarian arm of the US government. It was designed to provide aid—using American funds—for health, food, economic well being, and development in poor countries, while also promoting the democratic agenda. USAID provides free meals in countries experiencing food shortages, but we know there is no such thing as a free lunch.
Over the past half-century, USAID has frequently advanced US interests under the guise of humanitarian crisis relief. It has used foreign aid to carry out ideological infiltration and implement so-called “democratic reforms” in developing countries, thereby serving US geopolitical objectives. In El Salvador, for instance, USAID-funded protests against the government prompted President Nayib Bukele to state, “It’s clear there is no opposition without USAID money.” In a previous post on February 2 on X, he added, “Most governments don’t want USAID funds flowing into their countries because they understand where much of that money actually ends up. While marketed as support for development, democracy, and human rights, the majority of these funds are funneled into opposition groups, NGOs with political agendas, and destabilizing movements.”
The Indian Express later reported that the $21 million in question was actually designated for Bangladesh—not India. Citing documents, the report indicated that these funds were intended to support political and civic engagement among Bangladeshi youth ahead of their national elections. USAID is also allegedly guilty of manipulating protests and funding in Bangladesh. Critics claim that the current “democratic” President of Bangladesh overthrew the democratically elected president and declared her corrupt.
Foreign fear of Modi’s growing influence?
An article published by the Japanese publishing house Nikkei quoted analysts saying that Modi’s focus on India’s demographic, economic, and political rise on the world stage is “a new factor in Indian politics.” This article appeared after Modi’s historic third consecutive win as Prime Minister. It has become apparent that much of the rhetoric against India’s emergence as a global political powerhouse has irked many powerful lobbies both within India and abroad.
During the Covid-19 pandemic, when India was a world leader in the Matreyi vaccine scheme, its indigenous vaccine Covaxin was exported to countries around the world. Suddenly, rumours began circulating about its approval process and efficacy. USAID’s own media promotions state that “USAID-supported efforts have increased demand, access, and uptake of COVID-19 vaccination, directly supporting more than 15.6 million people in receiving COVID-19 vaccines and over 55 million people in accessing reliable information about COVID-19 across India.” However, it appears that it is not Covaxin being used to vaccinate India’s population; instead, foreign vaccines are being deployed under USAID’s influence.
Rahul Gandhi’s ‘Death of Democracy’ statement
In a previous column for ThePrint dated 10 December 2024, I mentioned how Rahul Gandhi criticised India on foreign soil during his September 2024 “Death of Democracy” tour. Gandhi’s trip was organised and sponsored by the Indian Overseas Congress, led by “family friend” Sam Pitroda. In 2009, Pitroda co-founded the Global Knowledge Initiative (GKI), which has allegedly received funding from US organisations. GKI aims to build global knowledge partnerships to address challenges in science, technology, and innovation.
Pitroda’s US-based associates at GKI include Nina V. Fedoroff, who is closely affiliated with the Rockefeller Foundation, USAID, and Monsanto, and Sara Farley, Vice President of the Rockefeller Foundation’s Food Initiative, who oversees global food strategies and investments. Questions have been raised in Parliament—from the time of Greta Thunberg’s revelations until recently—regarding the Gandhi family’s associations and Pitroda’s links with USAID. It is becoming clear that there is a connection between Gandhi’s “Death of Democracy” diatribe and US funding purportedly aimed at “safeguarding” democracy in India.
George Soros and USAID
There appears to be a strong connection between Soros’ Open Society Foundations (OSF)—which engages in various philanthropic activities worldwide—and initiatives funded by USAID. Although OSF operates independently, organisations receiving support from both USAID and OSF have sometimes collaborated on projects promoting democracy and civil society. Could that collaboration be linked to Gandhi’s “Bharat Jodo Yatra”?
Recent reports indicate that over the past 15 years, the East-West Management Institute—an organisation partnered with OSF—received more than $270 million in grants from USAID. These funds were allocated for programs aimed at strengthening democratic institutions and civil society in various countries, including those in Eastern Europe and Central Asia. Some critics, including Trump, have alleged that such collaborations were used to influence political outcomes in nations like India and Bangladesh. However, OSF maintains that its initiatives are intended solely to support open societies and are not designed to destabilise governments.
The allegations surrounding USAID’s purported funding to influence India’s elections have unveiled a complex web of cloak-and-dagger activities, political rivalries, and genuine concerns about foreign intervention in India’s stable democratic system. Amid reports that the contentious $21 million was intended for Bangladesh, the incident underscores the necessity for vigilance, transparency, and thorough investigations into foreign-funded activities within sovereign nations. It would also be appropriate for the current US administration to assist host countries by providing detailed information about individuals, NGOs, and other entities that have routed these funds.
Ensuring that development aid aligns with the host country’s interests and respects its sovereignty is paramount to maintaining trust and fostering genuine partnerships. Furthermore, the educated elite in India must curb their knee-jerk anti-Modi reactions and critically assess who is truly responsible for undermining democracy.
Meenakshi Lekhi is a BJP leader, lawyer and social activist. Her X handle is @M_Lekhi. Views are personal.
(Edited by Prashant)