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Monday, February 16, 2026
TopicUSAID

Topic: USAID

Trump bluffed? US embassy denies President’s claim of $21 million USAID for voter turnout in India

In February, Trump alleged India ‘misused’ funds for polls, but DOGE said they were part of $486 million cancelled CEPPS aid, including a supposed $21 million set aside for India.

US judge blocks Musk, DOGE’s move to shut down USAID citing constitutional violations

The ruling came in response to a lawsuit by current and former USAID employees, one of several pending over the rapid dismantling of Washington's primary humanitarian aid agency.

‘$21 mn for voter turnout’ row: MEA has sought details on USAID funds spent in India from US embassy

In response to a query, Ministry of External Affairs told Rajya Sabha it's awaiting response to clarify scope of USAID involvement, including NGOs through which projects were executed.

UN chief visits Rohingya refugees in Cox Bazaar as WFP faces aid cuts after USAID shutdown

WFP warns it may cut Rohingya food rations from $12.50 to $6 per month in April due to funding shortages, sparking fears of rising hunger in overcrowded camps.

India’s tough choice between US and Russian stealth fighter jets & an obesity problem in the making

International media also reports on the first casualty of USAID cuts in India—closure of clinics for transgender people in Hyderabad, Thane & Pune.

George Soros funds and USAID move in tandem around the world

Over the past half-century, USAID has frequently advanced US interests under the guise of humanitarian crisis relief.

Jaishankar says attacks on minorities in Bangladesh ‘impact’ Indian thinking, urges clarity in ties

EAM says Dhaka cannot expect normal relations with New Delhi while blaming India for its domestic issues, adds govt is looking into USAID activities in India.

Trump’s USAID claim sparks Congress-BJP slugfest. ‘Western deep state & RSS’ in the mix

Trump's remarks came after Elon Musk's DOGE cancelled the humanitarian aid agency USAID's funding for several projects, including '$21m for voter turnout in India'.

MEA says reports of USAID funding voter turnout in India ‘deeply troubling, looking into it’

US President Donald Trump last week called the funding to India a 'kickback scheme', while asserting that USAID was 'trying to get somebody else elected'.

US foreign aid freeze has paved way for revival of China’s BRI in Nepal

Beijing may have felt relief after the MCC funds for Nepal were suspended. After all, through its media and press responses, it led a strong anti-MCC and anti-US campaign.

On Camera

How Nehru defended restrictions on freedom of speech and the press

On 29 May 1951, Jawaharlal Nehru defended adding 'reasonable restrictions' to Article 19, arguing that free speech must be balanced with national security and unity.

Andhra proposes Rs 100-cr wealth fund, eyes Norway-style sovereign fund model to drive growth

Andhra Pradesh Finance Minister Payyavula Keshav presented a Rs 3.32 lakh crore budget for 2026–27 in the assembly Saturday.

Top US military commander applauds ‘India’s tactical execution’ during Op Sindoor; adds ‘there’s lessons too’

On bilateral ties, Admiral Paparo said India-US ties have an exponential effect on deterrence, because it demonstrates a unity of purpose among us to maintain the peace.

The new Great Game—Trump’s playing for time, China for leverage & India for wiggle room

This is the game every nation is now learning to play. Some are finding new allies or seeing value among nations where they’d seen marginal interest. The starkest example is India & Europe.