Former US President Donald Trump has once again made strong remarks about India’s elections, sparing no digs at the earlier Joe Biden administration, claiming they had allocated USD 18 million to help India with elections.
“18 million dollars for helping India with its elections. Why the hell? Why don’t we just go to old paper ballots, and let them help us with their elections, right? Voter ID. Wouldn’t that be nice? We’re giving money to India for elections. They don’t need money,” he said.
“They take advantage of us pretty good. One of the highest tariff nations in the world…We have a 200 per cent (tariffs) there and then we’re giving them a lot of money to help them with their election,” Trump added.
Trump also flayed the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), accusing the association of making India look like the ultimate “taker.” “They’re one of the highest tariff nations in the world… and we’re giving them money for their elections?” he raged. “They take advantage of us pretty good.”
It wasn’t just India in the firing line. Trump also took aim at USAID’s USD 29 million funding to Bangladesh, which he claimed was helping them vote for “a radical left communist,” though he didn’t name anyone.
External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar called the whole thing “concerning” and said the government was looking into it, hinting that if something “bad” was going on, the country would want to know who was behind it. Meanwhile, the Congress party chimed in, urging Prime Minister Narendra Modi to “talk to his friend” Trump and clear the air.
Meloni brings a positive shift in India-Italy ties
In another development, Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, addressing the Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC) via video, slammed the Left for its hypocrisy in branding conservative leaders like herself, Trump, Argentina’s Javier Milei, and India’s PM Modi as threats to democracy. She pointed out the double standard, highlighting how figures like Bill Clinton and Tony Blair were once lauded as statesmen, while today’s conservatives face criticism.
Meloni stressed that conservatives are growing in influence, especially in European politics, and that their global collaboration is driving the Left to “hysteria.” She said that conservatives defend freedom, secure borders, family life, and common sense, while fighting against “wokeism” and the “green Leftist insanity.”
Meloni also expressed confidence that the US and Europe would remain close under Trump’s leadership, despite rising tensions, noting that Trump’s strength would defeat those hoping for division.
Her comments aligned with the rising influence of the global Right, and notably included a nod to India, with Modi being seen as part of this conservative coalition. Meloni’s relationship with Modi, strengthened by regular meetings, underpins a positive shift in India-Italy ties.
PM Modi flays those with slave mentality
Meanwhile, PM Modi came down hard on those with a “slave mentality” who attack Hindu beliefs, temples, and culture, and called them out for trying to divide society. Modi praised the efforts of sanitation workers and police during the Maha Kumbh, emphasising the unity it represented. He also highlighted the Netra Maha Kumbh, where over 2 lakh pilgrims had free eye tests, and 1.5 lakh received spectacles and medicine.
The new Bageshwar Dham institute, costing over Rs 200 crore, will offer free cancer treatment, with 100 beds dedicated to underprivileged patients. Modi lauded Dhirender Shastri for his role in promoting unity and his decision to establish the cancer research institute. He also announced plans to open cancer daycare centres in all districts in the next three years.
Also Read: Myanmar: 70 Indians, Including 15 Gujaratis, Rescued From Cybercrime Hub
