New Delhi: Amid debates over USAID's funding in India, the latest annual report from the Finance Ministry reveals that the $750 million provided by the US agency in 2023-24 has been directed towards government projects in sectors such as food, agriculture, rural development, energy, and the environment.

These initiatives, according to the report, do not involve any political funding in India.

"Currently, seven projects worth a total budget of $750 million (approx.) are being implemented by USAID in partnership with Government of India," the Finance Ministry’s annual report for 2023-24 states.
For the year 2023-24, USAID has committed a total of $97 million (around Rs 825 crore) under these seven projects, the report further notes.

For the financial year 2023-24, the US Agency for International Development (USAID) has allocated a total of $97 million (approximately Rs 825 crore) for seven ongoing projects, according to the Finance Ministry's annual report.

These projects focus on areas such as agriculture and food security, water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH), renewable energy, disaster management, and health. Additionally, funding was directed towards the Sustainable Forests and Climate Adaptation Programme and the Energy Efficiency Technology Commercialisation and Innovation Project, the report added.

The announcement comes amid controversy sparked by President Trump, who accused the Biden administration of using USAID to allocate $21 million for efforts to boost voter turnout in India, alleging it was an attempt to influence the elections.

Responding to the statement, External Affairs Minister S. Jasishankar said: "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. 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."

The Congress has demanded a white paper on the funds received in India from developmental agencies and aid mechanisms. IANS