The recent revelation by the newly constituted Department of Government Efficiency in Trump 2.0 about the funding of covert subversive operations through the USAID (United States Agency for International Development) reaffirms what has widely been considered in recent years as a matter of concern. Over the past 77 years, seemingly benign “aid" has been used to undermine unity, deepen fault lines, and mould economic activity in India with a view to further the national interests of the funding countries.

The historical acceptance of aid as a “net good" in recipient countries, including India, reflects a submission to a political agenda in the guise of humanitarian and developmental aid. A greater awareness in India about the dangers of such funding in recent years has resulted in greater compliance requirements and stronger enforcement of instruments such as the Foreign Contribution Regulation Act, 2010. However, there is an ever-present need to examine the political and national security implications of such aid: even in the most recently concluded financial year, aid from the United States alone totalled $750 million.

If it is proven that the USAID, which is on its way to becoming defunct, allocated and spent $21 million (an amount equal to around Rs 182 crore) for the ostensible objective of increasing voter turnout, it should be taken seriously and a detailed investigation carried out. The injection of foreign funds even for ostensibly neutral ends confers influence and power to entities controlled by foreign entities.

The activities undertaken may even appear to have a connection with the stated objective but are never neutral exercises. The selection of persons placed in charge of running the programme, the narratives promoted by such persons, and the themes chosen all bear the imprint of the foreign country’s interests and values. When such activity affects the democratic process and impacts the electoral choice of Indians, there is........

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