GUWAHATI: The United States Agency for International Development (USAID) funded seven projects in India worth approximately $750 million during the financial year 2023-24. This was revealed in the latest annual report released by India’s Finance Ministry.
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According to the report, USAID allocated a total obligation of $97 million (about ₹825 crore) for these projects, which were implemented in partnership with the Indian government. The Department of Economic Affairs, which serves as the nodal agency for bilateral funding, provided details on the nature of these projects.
The report also clarified that in 2023-24, no funds were allocated for enhancing voter turnout. Instead, USAID funding was directed towards projects focusing on agriculture and food security, water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH), renewable energy, disaster management, and health initiatives.
Additionally, financial commitments were made towards a sustainable forests and climate adaptation programme, as well as an energy efficiency technology commercialisation and innovation project.
Since its inception in 1951, USAID has provided India with economic assistance exceeding $17 billion, supporting over 555 projects across various sectors.
The revelations in the Finance Ministry’s report come amid a political controversy triggered by claims from the Elon Musk-led Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) regarding a $21 million USAID grant to India for boosting "voter turnout." Former US President Donald Trump had also alleged that the previous administration under Joe Biden had allocated these funds for voter turnout efforts in India.
Responding to these claims, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar called the information "concerning" and stated that the Indian government was investigating the matter. He emphasised that USAID was permitted to operate in India "in good faith" and expressed concern over suggestions from the US that some activities may have been conducted in "bad faith."
Meanwhile, the Congress party accused the ruling BJP of spreading misinformation. Congress leader Jairam Ramesh claimed that the alleged $21 million funding was actually meant for Bangladesh in 2022 and criticised the BJP for propagating "fake news from America."
