Former US President Donald Trump has once again made a big statement, which is giving birth to a new debate in the India-US diplomatic relations. During a press conference at Mar-a-Lago in Florida, Trump said that “India has a lot of money, so why should we give it 21 million dollars?” His statement came when new facts have surfaced regarding the funding of USAID (United States Agency for International Development).
USAID Funding to India: What is the whole matter?
USAID is a US government agency that provides financial aid to many countries across the world. According to a latest report, USAID had provided funding of 21 million dollars (approximately ₹182 crore) to increase voter participation in India’s elections. But now this funding has been stopped by DOGE (Department of Government Efficiency).
DOGE says that this has been done under budget cuts, which are necessary to reduce the expenses of the US government. After this funding cut, many people have started raising questions whether USA should provide financial aid to an economic power like India?
What did Donald Trump say about India’s funding?
Donald Trump said in the press conference:
“India has a lot of money. Why should we give 21 million dollars to India? This is beyond understanding.”
He also said that India is one of the countries with the highest taxes in the world, which makes it difficult for US goods to reach India.
Trump also raised questions on India’s high tariffs and said that competition in the Indian market is tough for US businesses.
Political uproar in India over funding
The issue of USAID funding has become a topic of political debate not only in the US but also in India.
BJP’s allegation – BJP leader Amit Malviya said who was benefiting from USAID funding? Is this not external interference in India’s election process?
Congress’s reply – Congress while lobbying said that if USAID funding affects elections, then how did BJP form government in 2014?
Sanjoy Sanyal (PM Modi’s Economic Advisor) – Sanyal called USAID the biggest scam in the world and raised the question that to whom was this money given?
Was USAID funding necessary for India?
India is moving towards becoming a 5 trillion dollar economy. In such a situation, was it right to take funding from USA? Experts say that:
✅ If the funding was for election awareness, then there is no harm in it.
❌ But if this funding was to benefit a political party, then it is interference.
Final Thoughts: Is it right to criticize USAID funding?
This statement of Donald Trump is not just an economic debate but also a geopolitical discussion. India is a global economic powerhouse today, so does it need to take financial aid from a country like the US?
If USAID funding was really for voter awareness and strengthening democracy, then it could have been a good initiative. But if it was used to support a political agenda, then it is natural to raise questions.
What do you say? Should India have taken USAID funding or not? Share your opinion in the comment section!