Who's Veena Reddy—ex-USAID India chief linked to $21M funding controversy
What's the story
A political storm has erupted in India after United States President Donald Trump alleged a $21 million allocation by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) for voter turnout in India.
Trump had questioned why this funding was necessary, implying it was an attempt to influence election results in India.
At the heart of this controversy is Veena Reddy, the former director of USAID's India mission.
Under scrutiny
Focus shifts to Veena Reddy amid funding controversy
Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) MP Mahesh Jethmalani questioned her role in the distribution of funds. He implied USAID's $21 million was a euphemism for paying voters to bring about regime change.
Jethmalani pointed out Reddy was appointed head of USAID's Indian mission in 2021 and returned to the US after the 2024 general elections.
The Congress, on the other hand, has dismissed Trump's claims as "nonsensical" and demanded a white paper on USAID's support to Indian institutions over the years.
Profile
Who is Veena Reddy
Reddy is an Andhra Pradesh-born American diplomat and a career member of the US Senior Foreign Service. She was the USAID mission director for India and Bhutan from August 2021 to July 2024.
Before her India stint, Reddy served in leadership positions in USAID in Cambodia, Haiti, and Pakistan.
She has a Juris Doctor degree from Columbia University School of Law and degrees from the University of Chicago.
Political backlash
First Indian American to lead USAID in India
The US Embassy said she was the first Indian American to lead USAID in India and Bhutan.
During her time in India, USAID increased its project funding from $94.3 million in 2021 to $228 million in 2022.
According to government data, it fell to $175.7 million in 2023 and fell even more to $151.8 million in 2024.