US President Trump accuses Biden administration of election interference in India, defends aid cuts
PTC Web Desk: Former US President Donald Trump has criticised the previous Biden administration, suggesting it attempted to influence elections in India through financial aid.
Speaking at the FII Priority Summit in Miami on Wednesday, Donald Trump questioned the need for a $21 million US grant to boost voter turnout in India. He hinted that the Biden administration may have used the funds to favour a specific political outcome.
"Why do we need to spend $21 million on voter turnout in India? I guess they were trying to get somebody else elected. We need to inform the Indian government. This is a major revelation," Trump said.
At another event in Mar-a-Lago on Tuesday, he criticised US financial assistance to India, arguing that the country has a strong economy and high tariffs on American goods.
"India has a lot of money. They impose high taxes on us, making it difficult for our businesses to enter their market. So why are we giving them $21 million?" Trump remarked.
The Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), led by Elon Musk under Trump's second administration, recently announced cuts to $723 million in foreign aid. This includes cancelling the $21 million grant for India and a $29 million programme for Bangladesh aimed at improving its political system.
Donald Trump, who resumed office in January, has placed a near-total freeze on foreign aid. DOGE has already slashed $8.5 billion in federal spending, with Musk also pushing to shut down USAID, a US agency that manages over $40 billion annually for development and humanitarian programs worldwide.
- With inputs from agencies
