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Government is investigating suspected dishonest actions related to USAID funding, as stated by Jaishankar

U.S. State Department funding controversy prompts External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar to express concern about information from the Trump administration, indicating the Indian government is investigating the matter.

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Government investigating potentially dishonest actions associated with USAID funding, according to...
Government investigating potentially dishonest actions associated with USAID funding, according to Jaishankar

In a recent discussion at the DU Literature Festival held at the Shri Ram College of Commerce (SRCC), External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar expressed his concerns over the activities of the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) in India.

Jaishankar asserted that security in a tech-driven world needs to expand beyond armed forces and civilian police, encompassing thought processes, narratives, and facts presented, which can be influenced without one's knowledge. He believes that this extended notion of security is crucial in the digital age, where influences from phones, daily reading, and images can potentially threaten one's security.

During the discussion, Jaishankar was asked about the USAID issue that has been gaining attention recently. He stated that USAID was initially allowed in India to perform good faith activities. However, suggestions are being made in America that there may be activities which are in bad faith. If there is substance to these allegations, Jaishankar believes that the country should know who is involved in such activities.

The Indian government shares these concerns, finding the revelations about USAID funding for certain activities in the country deeply troubling and a cause for concern about foreign interference in its internal affairs. In response, the government has initiated an investigation, with the Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson, Randhir Jaiswal, confirming that relevant departments and agencies are looking into this matter.

The Indian government is also planning to place a new Income Tax Bill in the Lok Sabha on Monday. While there is no verified public information identifying specific USAID personnel involved in bad faith regulations in India, the government's investigation aims to shed light on any potential misconduct.

President Donald Trump has also questioned the USD 21 million funding by USAID for voter turnout in India, expressing doubts about whether it was an attempt to influence elections. However, these allegations have not been verified, and the focus remains on the ongoing investigation by the Indian government.

In conclusion, the concerns raised by External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar about the activities of USAID in India underscore the need for transparency and accountability in international development aid. As the investigation continues, the Indian government and its citizens await answers regarding the nature and extent of USAID's activities in the country.

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