## Colophon tags:: url:: https://www.thehindu.com/opinion/editorial/foreign-influence-on-the-usaid-and-india-controversy/article69254864.ece %% title:: ​Foreign influence: On the USAID and India controversy type:: [[clipped-note]] author:: [[@thehindu.com]] %% ## Notes > ​Foreign influence: On the USAID and India controversy — [view in context](https://hyp.is/IgffHvJ3Ee-JntfeQv417w/www.thehindu.com/opinion/editorial/foreign-influence-on-the-usaid-and-india-controversy/article69254864.ece) ⬆️ date:: [[2025-02-24]] > However, much of this cacophony that passes for debate is fuelled by misinformation and misinterpretation, often drawing from insinuations made by the Trump administration which views international aid as a waste of American resources. While the U.S. may have its reasons to reassess its aid priorities, it is regrettable that India’s major political parties are echoing these arguments without a nuanced understanding. — [view in context](https://hyp.is/KzlhovJ3Ee-j5wvxObsoRg/www.thehindu.com/opinion/editorial/foreign-influence-on-the-usaid-and-india-controversy/article69254864.ece) > In a globalised world, where countries compete for capital, technology, and talent from across borders, branding political opponents as foreign agents may be an easy propaganda tactic, but poisons the domestic political environment and weakens India’s aspirations to emerge as a global power. — [view in context](https://hyp.is/NigooPJ3Ee-kHyevQpTyFw/www.thehindu.com/opinion/editorial/foreign-influence-on-the-usaid-and-india-controversy/article69254864.ece) > It is true that foreign aid can be a tool of soft power, often used by stronger nations to exert influence over domestic affairs of other countries. However, recognising this reality requires a responsible and measured approach, and not an overreaction that borders on self-sabotage. — [view in context](https://hyp.is/Y_NGPvJ3Ee-szyeU2Id7Jw/www.thehindu.com/opinion/editorial/foreign-influence-on-the-usaid-and-india-controversy/article69254864.ece) > If the government genuinely suspects that foreign funding is shaping India’s political landscape in undesirable ways, it must approach the issue with transparency and a well-defined plan for investigation. — [view in context](https://hyp.is/m9-3MPJ3Ee-IrK92I6WRKA/www.thehindu.com/opinion/editorial/foreign-influence-on-the-usaid-and-india-controversy/article69254864.ece) ⬆️ We know it won't though... Looking at what has happened with FCRA, it is a bit silly to believe that GoI will be a good faith actor.