Bhubaneswar, Feb. 24 -- The United States Agency for International Development (USAID) has historically focused on health, education, and infrastructure projects in India, with programs like maternal health initiatives and disaster relief. However, recent revelations about a $21 million allocation labeled for 'voter turnout' have raised eyebrows, as election-related funding is not a typical focus area for USAID in India.

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar emphasized that USAID's operations were initially permitted under 'good faith' assumptions but now require scrutiny due to allegations of 'bad faith' activities.

Reportedly, the funds were part of a $486 million package under the 'Consortium for Elections and Political Process Stre...