USAID fund claim troubling, investigation is on: Government

NEW DELHI: As US President Trump doubled down on his claim that USAID allocated $21 million to increase voter turnout in India, the external affairs ministry seemed to back the allegation and said it had led to "concerns about foreign interference" in India's internal affairs.

It described the claim as "deeply troubling", and said Indian agencies are investigating the matter.

"We have seen information that has been put out by the US administration regarding certain USAID activities and funding. These are obviously very deeply troubling," MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said, responding to a query about the US president's remarks.

"Relevant departments and agencies are looking into this matter," Jaiswal added. Asked what exactly the USAID fund was meant for, and if it was intended for some other country, the official said it would be premature to make a public comment at this stage.

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