Why are we giving money to India...they don't need it, they are taking advantage: Trump suggests India help US with elections

US President Donald Trump during his closing speech at the Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC) on Saturday criticised the USAID funding of USD 18 million funding for helping India with its elections.

Trump also proposed they go back to paper ballots and have India assist with the election process, saying, "Wouldn't that be nice?"

"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.



He further alleged that India benefits from high tariffs on US goods.

"They take advantage of us pretty good. One of the highest tariffed nations in the world. We try and sell something. They have a 200 per cent tariff. And then we're giving them a lot of money to help them with their election," he said.

External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar on Saturday voiced concern over allegations that USAID allocated $21 million for "voter turnout" in India.

"Some information has been put out by the Trump administration people, and obviously, that is concerning... As a government, we're looking into it. My sense is that the facts will come out. USAID was allowed here in good faith for good faith activities, but now there are suggestions from America of bad faith activities. It's worrisome, and if there’s something to it, the country should know who is involved," said Jaishankar.

With inputs from ANI