Archive · 22 Aug 2025
Fact Check: $21 Million USAID Grant Did Not Go To India
Some people thought the US gave India money to get voters to go vote.
But it turns out, the money was actually for a voting project in Bangladesh.
A company called DOGE said it stopped the project, but the money was already spent.
This story shows how easy it is for rumors to start and how important it is to check the facts.
The money was supposed to help people in Bangladesh learn about voting.
The US government, through the MEA, denied claims of a $21 million USAID grant for voter turnout in India.
The Indian Express reported the $21 million grant was for Bangladesh, not India.
The grant, sanctioned in 2022, was for the 'Amar Vote Amar' project, later renamed the Nagorik Program.
The grant was split into six sub-grants for organizations including IFES, IRI, and NDI.
The grant cancellation by DOGE didn't save money, as the final tranche was released.
- Who
- The US government, DOGE, The Indian Express, and various organizations involved in the grants.
- What
- Claims of a US grant for voter turnout in India were debunked; the grant was for Bangladesh.
- When
- The controversy started in February with DOGE and President Trump's claims, and the Indian Express report was published on February 21.
- Where
- Bangladesh and India
- Why
- To clarify the allocation of USAID funds and correct misinformation regarding election influence.
Allegations
Confirmed Facts
US Election Influence
Allegations
Claims of US influence in India's election process.
Confirmed Facts
The MEA and Indian Express confirmed the funding was for Bangladesh, not India.
- Grant Amount
- $21 million
- Original Intended Recipient
- Bangladesh
- Project Name (Bangladesh)
- Amar Vote Amar/Nagorik
- Grant Sanction Date
- July 2022
- Organizations Involved
- IFES, IRI, NDI