External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar has raised concerns over allegations that USAID provided $21 million for “voter turnout in India.” He emphasized that if these claims are true, the country must know who was involved.
Speaking at the Delhi University Literature Festival, Jaishankar responded to statements made by former US President Donald Trump. “Some information has been put out there by the Trump administration, and obviously, that is concerning… We’re looking into it, and the facts will come out. USAID was allowed here in good faith, but now there are suggestions from America about bad-faith activities. That’s worrisome,” he said.
USAID’s Role Under Scrutiny
The allegations suggest that USAID, an American agency responsible for international development, may have been involved in influencing voter turnout in India. The controversy has sparked debate, with officials and experts calling for an investigation into the matter. Economist Sanjiv Sanyal, a member of the Prime Minister’s Economic Advisory Council, has called the controversy “the biggest scam in human history.”
Modi-Trump Relationship and Shared Nationalism
During his speech, Jaishankar also reflected on Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s relationship with Donald Trump. He described their interaction as one marked by “strong chemistry and mutual respect.” He pointed out that both leaders, as nationalists, shared a deep understanding of each other’s commitment to their countries.
“PM Modi is a strong nationalist, and he radiates that. Trump, as an American nationalist, respects that. Modi is in it for India, and Trump is in it for America,” Jaishankar said.
Diplomacy and the Ramayana Analogy
Jaishankar compared India’s diplomatic strategies to Lord Hanuman’s mission in Lanka, as described in the epic Ramayana. He explained how Hanuman was sent to a hostile territory to assess the situation, boost Ma Sita’s morale, and understand the power dynamics.
“Lord Hanuman even identified Vibhishana as an ally and ultimately set Lanka on fire,” Jaishankar said, adding with a smile, “Imagine a diplomat going somewhere and setting a place—not metaphorically, but literally—on fire.”
When asked if he had ever attempted something similar, he humorously responded, “Do not tempt me.”
India’s Expanding Diplomatic Circle
Jaishankar emphasized that diplomacy is about building alliances, even with countries that do not always align with India’s stance.
“What are we trying to do today as Bharat? We are expanding our circle of friends and bringing together nations that may not always be on the same page to achieve common goals,” he said.