India has formally asked for the USAID spend information of India-based projects from the US embassy on an urgent basis. This is against the backdrop of US President Donald Trump’s claims of expenditure of $21 million by USAID in India to boost voter turnout during elections.
MEA informed Rajya Sabha last week, in response to a written question, that it has also sought information about NGOs through whom various initiatives may have been executed.
However, such details are yet to be provided by the US side, said minister of state for external affairs ministry Kirti Vardhan Singh in his response
“While there is some open-source information available on this matter, govt understandably expects an official response from the US govt on this matter,” he said.
The Written Request
“In view of the recent reports regards USAID funding in India, the ministry of external affairs has formally asked the US Embassy to urgently furnish details of expenditure incurred on all USAID assisted/funded projects in India over the last 10 years,” the ministry said in its response to Brittas.
The MEA further highlighted that certain details about USAID beneficiaries have been withheld by the US administration, citing legal provisions under American law that allow “exceptional redactions.” “As per that legislation, the exceptional redactions include information that would jeopardise the health or security of an implementing partner or programme beneficiary. Another justification is a determination that the information online would be detrimental to the national interests of the United States,” the ministry noted.
On steps being taken to prevent Trump’s remarks on tariffs from affecting India-US ties, the minister said both sides remain engaged to address all issues of concern including the issue of trade and tariffs in a constructive manner.
Singh said Modi’s visit to Washington DC on Feb 13 offered an opportunity for both the leaders to reaffirm the strength of India-US Comprehensive Global Strategic Partnership that is anchored in mutual trust, shared interests, goodwill and robust engagement of their citizens.
