The US Embassy in India has clarified that USAID/India did not receive or provide any funding of $21 million for voter turnout initiatives in India from fiscal years 2014 to 2024, nor has it conducted any voter turnout-related activities in the country. This statement was shared with the Rajya Sabha in response to a query by CPI(M) MP John Brittas regarding reports about the alleged use of USAID funds to increase voter participation in Indian elections.
In response to the query, Minister of State for External Affairs Kirti Vardhan Singh noted that the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) had requested the US Embassy in New Delhi, on February 28, to provide detailed information on all USAID-assisted or funded projects in India over the past ten years, excluding those under the seven formal Partnership Agreements with the Indian government. The MEA also sought a list of NGOs and implementing partners involved in these initiatives.
On July 2, the US Embassy provided a detailed account of USAID funding in India from 2014 to 2024, outlining implementing partners, project objectives, and key accomplishments. The Embassy reiterated that no voter turnout-related funding or activities occurred during this period. Furthermore, the Embassy informed the MEA on July 29 of its plan to wind down all USAID operations in India by August 15, 2025. A subsequent letter on August 11 confirmed that all seven Partnership Agreements with the Indian government would also be closed by that date.
Singh highlighted that while a review of USAID operations continues in the United States, the US Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) announced on February 16, 2025, the cancellation of $486 million in USAID funding for global Consortium for Elections and Political Process Strengthening (CEPPS) projects, including a reported $21 million allocation for voter turnout in India. Effective July 1, USAID operations officially ceased, terminating approximately 83% of its programs and laying off 94% of its staff, with the remaining functions absorbed by the US State Department. Full closure is expected by September 2, 2025.
Finally, Singh stated that the government has received a beneficiary-wise breakdown of USAID allocations for the years 2022, 2023, and 2024, as requested by MP Brittas, providing transparency on the agency’s activities in India over the last three years.
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