In a significant move that has sparked diplomatic discussions, the United States Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), under Elon Musk's leadership, has terminated a $21 million grant intended to influence voter turnout in India. This grant, approved during the Biden administration, was part of a broader $486 million budget allocated to the "Consortium for Elections and Political Process Strengthening."
The cancellation comes as part of a larger efficiency drive that has seen multiple overseas projects defunded, totaling over $137 million in taxpayer money. Among the terminated programs was a controversial $29 million initiative aimed at "strengthening the political landscape in Bangladesh," which has gained particular attention given recent political upheavals in the region.
Scope of Cancellations
The DOGE's sweeping cuts included several other significant programs:
<ul type="disc">
<li class="MsoNormal">A $47 million project for "improving learning outcomes in Asia"</li>
<li class="MsoNormal">A $40 million investment in a "gender equality and women empowerment hub"</li>
</ul>
According to the department's statement, these cancellations reflect a renewed focus on fiscal responsibility and a commitment to preventing U.S. taxpayer dollars from funding what they termed "questionable" overseas political activities.
BJP's Strong Response
The announcement has drawn sharp criticism from India's ruling party. BJP national spokesperson Amit Malviya condemned the now-cancelled funding as "external interference" in India's electoral process. "This definitely is external interference in India's electoral process. Who gains from this? Not the ruling party for sure!" Malviya stated.
The BJP spokesperson went further, linking the funding to what he described as a "systematic infiltration" of Indian institutions by foreign forces. He specifically pointed to billionaire George Soros and his Open Society Foundation, claiming, "Once again, it is George Soros, a known associate of the Congress party and the Gandhis, whose shadow looms over our electoral process."
Bangladesh Connection
The timing of the announcement has drawn particular attention given recent developments in Bangladesh. The revelation about the $29 million Bangladesh program comes amid ongoing discussions about potential U.S. involvement in recent political changes in the country, including the departure of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and the rise of Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus as interim leader.
During a recent joint press briefing with Indian Prime Minister Modi, President Trump addressed speculation about U.S. involvement in Bangladesh's political transition, stating, "There was no role for our deep state. This is something the Prime Minister has been working on for a long time, for hundreds of years, frankly. I have been reading about it. I will leave Bangladesh to the Prime Minister."
Regional Implications
The political changes in Bangladesh have led to increased tensions between India and Bangladesh, with New Delhi expressing concerns about rising attacks on religious minorities under the new regime. These developments, coupled with the cancellation of the U.S. grants, highlight growing complexities in South Asian regional politics and the role of external influences in domestic affairs.
The cancellation of these grants represents a significant shift in U.S. foreign policy approach and raises questions about the future of international democracy-building initiatives in South Asia.
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US DOGE discontinues grant for voters turnout in India

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February 17, 2025 | 07:14 IST