Washington/New Delhi: The U.S. Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), led by Elon Musk, has canceled $21 million in funding earmarked for “voter turnout in India” as part of its broader cost-cutting measures. The decision, announced on Saturday (local time), is part of a larger effort to slash government spending under the Donald Trump administration.
DOGE’s Announcement
In a post on X (formerly Twitter), DOGE listed several taxpayer-funded expenditures that have been scrapped, including the funding for India’s voter turnout initiative.
“U.S. taxpayer dollars were going to be spent on the following items, all of which have been cancelled,” DOGE announced.
US taxpayer dollars were going to be spent on the following items, all which have been cancelled:
— Department of Government Efficiency (@DOGE) February 15, 2025
– $10M for "Mozambique voluntary medical male circumcision"
– $9.7M for UC Berkeley to develop "a cohort of Cambodian youth with enterprise driven skills"
– $2.3M for "strengthening…
The department, which aims to significantly reduce government costs, has faced criticism over its approach, particularly its request for access to key financial systems such as the Treasury payment system. Reports from CNN suggest that this has sparked internal objections within various agencies.
BJP’s Reaction to the Funding Cut
The cancellation has triggered reactions in India, particularly from the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). Amit Malviya, BJP’s IT Cell chief, took to X to voice his concerns.
“$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.
– $486M to the “Consortium for Elections and Political Process Strengthening,” including $22M for "inclusive and participatory political process" in Moldova and $21M for voter turnout in India.
— Amit Malviya (@amitmalviya) February 15, 2025
$21M for voter turnout? This definitely is external interference in India’s electoral… https://t.co/DsTJhh9J2J
Other Canceled Funding
The cut in voter turnout funding for India is part of a broader reduction in U.S. foreign expenditures. DOGE also canceled:
- $10 million for “Mozambique voluntary medical male circumcision.”
- $486 million allocated to the “Consortium for Elections and Political Process Strengthening,” including $22 million for an “inclusive and participatory political process” in Moldova and $21 million for voter turnout in India.
- $29 million for “strengthening the political landscape in Bangladesh.”
- $39 million for “fiscal federalism” and “biodiversity conservation” in Nepal.
- $1.5 million for “voter confidence” in Liberia.
- $14 million for “social cohesion” in Mali.
- $2.5 million for “inclusive democracies in Southern Africa.”
- $47 million for “improving learning outcomes in Asia.”
PM Modi and Elon Musk’s Meeting
During Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s recent visit to the U.S., he met with Elon Musk to discuss collaboration between Indian and American entities in key sectors such as innovation, space exploration, artificial intelligence, and sustainable development.
Their discussion also covered emerging technologies, entrepreneurship, and governance. Musk, who was accompanied by three of his children, engaged in talks about enhancing U.S.-India cooperation in various domains.
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India’s Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) released a statement confirming the discussions, highlighting Modi’s emphasis on India’s ongoing governance reforms under the principle of “Minimum Government, Maximum Governance.”
Following the meeting, PM Modi shared details on X, reinforcing India’s commitment to deepening its engagement with global leaders in technology and governance.
Had a very good meeting with @elonmusk in Washington DC. We discussed various issues, including those he is passionate about such as space, mobility, technology and innovation. I talked about India’s efforts towards reform and furthering ‘Minimum Government, Maximum Governance.’ pic.twitter.com/7xNEqnxERZ
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) February 13, 2025
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