Bangladesh has strongly refuted claims that USAID allocated $21 million to support voter turnout efforts in India, clarifying that the funding was designated for local political engagement programs within Bangladesh. The controversy arose following assertions that the funds were misdirected,

India’s External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar has addressed concerns following claims of foreign funding allegedly influencing the country’s electoral process. The controversy revolves around reports suggesting that the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) allocated $21 million to increase voter participation in India. Speaking at a