India’s External Affairs Minister, S. Jaishankar, said on Saturday that the information regarding election-related funding by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) is concerning. He emphasized that the country has the right to know if any individuals are involved in activities with malicious intent. Jaishankar made these remarks at the Delhi University Literature Festival.

During his speech, he referenced a statement made by former U.S. President Donald Trump, in which Trump mentioned that the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) had decided to cancel a $100 million fund allocated by USAID for various global initiatives. This amount included $21 million designated for increasing voter turnout in India.

Jaishankar stated, “I believe some information has been shared by the Trump administration, and it is certainly concerning. This could imply that certain activities are being carried out with a specific objective in mind, potentially promoting a particular agenda.” He further added that USAID was granted entry into India with the expectation of working with integrity. However, the emerging suggestions that some activities might be linked to malicious intent require serious consideration. “If there is any truth to this, the nation has the right to know who is involved in these dubious activities,” he said.

On Friday, the Ministry of External Affairs announced that the government is reviewing USAID’s election-related funding, as it is a matter of serious concern, especially when linked to foreign interference. The issue has sparked a political controversy, intensifying accusations and counter-accusations between the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the Indian National Congress.

Former U.S. President Donald Trump has repeatedly raised the issue of electoral funding in India throughout the week. On Friday, while addressing a meeting of U.S. governors at the White House, he said, “We are giving $21 million to India for voter turnout. What about us? I need voter turnout too.” He also alleged that the funds were intended as a bribe. However, the U.S. administration has not provided any details or clarification regarding these claims.

Jaishankar also remarked that Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s recent visit to the U.S. was highly successful. He said, “Prime Minister Narendra Modi is a strong nationalist, and he expresses it fully. Trump is also an American nationalist. I believe, in many ways, nationalists respect each other. They are clear about working for their country’s interests.”