India and the United States of America are the two biggest democratic countries in the world, with populations of 1.43 billion and 340.9 million, respectively. Both nations have friendly relations and enjoy a comprehensive global strategic partnership. Recently, India successfully conducted the general elections, after which news of $21 million in funding from USAID (United States Agency for International Development) for voter turnout (participation rate of an election) came to the limelight. Here, we discuss the whole story of voter turnout, which every voter should be aware of.
We start the blog by learning about the US Agency first.
An Overview of USAID
The United States Agency for International Development is responsible for supporting agriculture, trade, and economic growth, promoting democracy, protecting human rights, advancing food security, etc. It works in 100 nations across Africa, Asia, Latin America, the Middle East, and Eastern Europe.
USAID partners with local governments and NGOs (Non-Governmental Organisations) to promote sustainability. It was established in 1961 and is headquartered in Washington,.
India’s Expense on Elections
India spends millions of dollars every year on general and assembly elections. The 2024 was the most expensive election the country ever saw. An amount of Rs 1.35 lakh crore ($16.3 billion) was spent in this election.
US’s Expense on Elections
The US, the founder of USAID, had its most expensive presidential election in 2024 election. An amount of $15.9 billion was spent on the election, which is lower than India’s expenses. As a result of this election, Donald Trump became the new US president, defeating Joe Biden. He recently also joined hands with Elon Musk.
The Scoop of $21-Million Funding
Elon Musk-led DOGE (Department of Government Efficiency) shared that the US government agency allocated $21 million for voter turnout in India. Taking a stand against it, the BJP MP Mahesh Jethmaleani said on X that Veena Reddy was sent to India as USAID’s head in 2021. She returned to the US after the 2024 general elections; otherwise, she could have told who this money was given to.
Jethmalani said that in July 2021, when Reddy was sent to India, ex-secretary of state Anthony Blinken was the director of foreign objectives, who wouldn’t shed light on the matter. Economist Sanjay Sanyal called the US agency the biggest scam in human history. He requested a probe into the $21 million funding.
Donald Trump’s Help
US President Donald Trump defended the move and shared that USAID wouldn’t send money to India for voter turnout. He says India has a lot more money and is one of the highest taxation countries.
Donald Trump shared that Joe Bidon was trying to get someone elected in India. He posted on X, “The allocation of $21 million for voter turnout in India could sway away elections. The money was potentially used to influence Indian elections.” He is also ready to help the PM Modi-led government and provide every information possible.
India & US Friendship
India is the biggest democracy in the world and the United States of America holds the second position. Both countries are friends, and President Donald Trump seems to keep the friendship above all. He is willing to help PM Modi’s government in every possible way to find out the truth about funding from USAID.
Frequently Asked Questions
1- Who is the chief of USAID?
Marco Rubio is the chief of the United States Agency for International Development and took over the post on February 3, 2025.
2- What is Joe Biden’s presidential term in the US?
Joe Biden was the president of the US for 4 years between January 20, 2021, and January 20, 2025.
3- Can a non-US citizen work for USAID?
No, you must be a US citizen because working for USAID in any position requires a secret-level security clearance.
4- What was the voter turnout in the 2024 general elections?
Overall, a 65.79% voter turnout was recorded in the general elections 2024.
