Transformative Impact: USAID’s $750 Million Investment in Seven Groundbreaking Projects Across India (2023-24) – A Visionary Leap Forward
USAID Funds Projects Worth $750 Million in India Amid Controversy Over Alleged Voter Turnout Grant
Guwahati: The United States Agency for International Development (USAID) financed seven projects in India, with an estimated value of $750 million, during the fiscal year 2023-24, according to a recent report from India’s Finance Ministry. The report discloses that USAID committed $97 million (approximately ₹825 crore) to these initiatives, collaborating with the Indian government through the Department of Economic Affairs.
The allocated funds focused on sectors such as agriculture, food security, renewable energy, water, sanitation, hygiene, disaster management, and health. Additionally, projects aimed at sustainable forests, climate adaptation, and energy efficiency technology commercialization were also supported. Notably, no funding was directed toward enhancing voter turnout for the year 2023-24.
This revelation arises amid a political storm triggered by claims from the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), led by Elon Musk, about a $21 million USAID grant to India intended to boost voter turnout. Former US President Donald Trump further fueled the controversy, alleging that the previous Joe Biden administration earmarked funds for this purpose.
In response, India’s External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar expressed "concern" over these assertions, affirming that the government is investigating these claims. He reiterated that USAID’s operations in India are based on "good faith" and expressed unease over suggestions of potential "bad faith" activities from the US side.
Simultaneously, the Congress party accused the ruling BJP of disseminating misinformation, with Congress leader Jairam Ramesh asserting that the alleged $21 million grant was intended for Bangladesh in 2022 and criticized the BJP for spreading "fake news from America." USAID, since its 1951 inception, has contributed over $17 billion to over 555 projects in India, spanning various sectors.
Original Source: https://www.guwahatiplus.com/india/usaid-funded-seven-projects-in-india-worth-750-million-in-2023-24-finance-ministry
Category : India
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Publish Date: 2025-02-23 20:00:00
