'They take advantage of us’: Trump amid row over alleged USAID funding to India
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US President Donald Trump stated on Sunday that India does not need financial aid, reiterating his strong stance on the purported United States Agency for International Development (USAID) funding for elections in India. Trump asked why the US was spending $18 million on aid to help with India's elections while he was speaking at the Conservative Political Action Conference.
“18 million dollars for helping India with its elections. Why the hell? Why don't we just go to old paper ballots, and let them help us with their elections, right? Voter ID. Wouldn't that be nice? We're giving money to India for elections. They don't need money," he said while addressing the Conservative Political Action Conference, reported news agency ANI.
Trump also criticised India's trade policy, stating that the country profits disproportionately from the US. "They take advantage of us pretty good. One of the highest tariffed nations in the world. We try and sell something, and they impose a 200 percent tariff," he said, condemning India's high tariffs while the US continues to grant financial aid for its elections. Trump's remarks came after External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar responded, voicing his disapproval of the US President's assertions that USAID gave $21 million to increase Indian voting turnout. The accusations, according to Jaishankar, are "concerning" and "worrisome." He said the Indian government was looking into the situation on Saturday.
“Some information has been put out there by the Trump administration people, and obviously, that is concerning… I think, as a government, we’re looking into it,” EAM Jaishankar said.
“My sense is that the facts will come out…USAID was allowed here in good faith, to do good faith activities; now, suggestions are being laid out from America that there are activities which are in bad faith. It’s worrisome, and if there’s something to it, then the country should know who the people are involved in it,” he said.