Elon Musk-led DOGE cancels voter turnout funding for India; What’s next?

Washington D.C.: The Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), led by Elon Musk, has announced the cancellation of a $22 million fund that was allocated to increase voter turnout in India. The move comes as part of broader budget cuts under the Donald Trump administration, which has prioritized reducing government expenditures.

DOGE officially revealed the decision on social media platform X, listing various taxpayer-funded initiatives that were scrapped. "US taxpayer dollars were going to be spent on the following items, all of which have been canceled," the statement read, highlighting the $21 million initially set aside for voter participation efforts in India.

Trump Administration’s Budget Cuts and Musk’s Stance

The cancellation is a reflection of Elon Musk’s stance on reducing federal spending, as he has repeatedly warned that "America would go bankrupt" without drastic cost-cutting measures. The funding, intended to encourage Indian voter participation, will no longer be allocated, aligning with the administration’s fiscal tightening policies.

The announcement follows a recent meeting between President Donald Trump and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, during which the two leaders discussed strengthening bilateral relations. However, the cancellation of the voter turnout funding was not mentioned in official statements or press conferences.

Indian political reactions and concerns over foreign influence

The decision has sparked debate in India, with Amit Malviya, head of the BJP’s social media wing, voicing concerns over foreign funding in India’s elections. Taking to X, he questioned the intent behind the initiative, stating: "USD 21M for voter turnout? This is external interference in India's electoral process. Who gains from this? Not the ruling party for sure!"

Other DOGE cancellations across the globe

The funding cuts extended beyond India, affecting several other international programs, including:

• $29 million for "strengthening the political landscape in Bangladesh"
• $39 million for "fiscal federalism" and "biodiversity conservation" in Nepal
• $10 million for "Mozambique voluntary medical male circumcision"
• $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"

These measures are part of Musk and DOGE’s larger effort to streamline government spending and eliminate foreign aid programs deemed unnecessary.

Modi-Musk meeting: Strengthening US-India tech and innovation ties

Meanwhile, Prime Minister Narendra Modi met with Elon Musk to discuss strengthening US-India collaboration in key sectors like innovation, space exploration, artificial intelligence, and sustainable development.

According to a statement from the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), the discussions centered on deepening cooperation in emerging technologies, entrepreneurship, and good governance. Musk, who was accompanied by three of his children, also explored opportunities for expanding business and technological partnerships between India and the US.