DOGE, led by Elon Musk, cancels $21 million funding aimed at increasing voter turnout in India as part of budget cuts to international aid.
The Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), led by Elon Musk, announced on Saturday the cancellation of a $22 million funding intended to increase voter turnout in India. The decision was part of broader cuts to international aid, which include slashes to several programs in countries such as India, Bangladesh, and Mozambique.
The official DOGE handle posted on social media platform X, revealing a list of canceled US taxpayer-funded initiatives. "US taxpayer dollars were going to be spent on the following items, all of which have been cancelled," DOGE's statement read, with a specific mention of the $21 million earmarked for "voter turnout in India."
This marks a key decision under the new administration of President Donald Trump, which has prioritised budget cuts as part of its effort to reduce government spending. Elon Musk, head of DOGE, has repeatedly asserted that "America would go bankrupt" without significant cuts to federal expenditures. The $21 million, originally intended to encourage voter participation in India’s elections, will no longer be allocated.
The decision comes just days after President Donald Trump met with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, where the two leaders discussed strengthening US-India ties in various sectors. However, the cancellation of the voter turnout funding was notably absent from any official statements or press conferences following their meeting.
Amit Malviya, the BJP's social media head, voiced his concerns on X, questioning the motives behind such funding. "USD 21M for voter turnout? This definitely is external interference in India's electoral process. Who gains from this? Not the ruling party for sure!" Malviya posted.
This move is part of DOGE’s ongoing efforts to overhaul government spending, with Musk and his department focused on identifying areas to trim budgets and reduce financial outlays.
Modi-Musk meeting
During PM Modi's recent visit, he held a meeting with Musk. The two discussed strengthening collaboration between entities in India and the US in innovation, space exploration, artificial intelligence, and sustainable development.
PM Modi and Elon Musk also spoke about opportunities to deepen cooperation in emerging technologies, entrepreneurship, and good governance.
In a statement, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said, "The Prime Minister and Mr. Musk discussed strengthening collaboration between Indian and US entities in innovation, space exploration, artificial intelligence, and sustainable development. Their discussion also touched on opportunities to deepen cooperation in emerging technologies, entrepreneurship, and good governance."
Source: Hindustan Times
Bd-pratidin English/Fariha Nowshin Chinika
