USAID invests $750M in India across 7 projects: Finance Ministry
USAID invested $750 million in seven Indian projects in 2023-24, the Finance Ministry reported. These projects focus on agriculture, food security, water, sanitation, renewable energy, disaster management, and health. The US allocated $97 million under these programs during the financial year.
India has received over $17 billion in US aid since 1951, mainly through USAID. The agency supports sustainable forests, climate adaptation, and energy efficiency innovations.
A political controversy erupted when Elon Musk’s DOGE department claimed to have canceled a $21 million USAID grant meant to boost voter turnout in India. Former US President Donald Trump alleged that the Biden administration had allocated funds for this purpose.
External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar called these claims “concerning” and said the government is investigating. He emphasized that USAID operates in India with mutual trust, but recent allegations suggest bad-faith activities.
Congress accused the BJP of spreading misinformation, stating that the $21 million grant was for Bangladesh, not India. Congress leader Jairam Ramesh called the BJP “liars and illiterates,” demanding Modi and Jaishankar clarify their stance.
