iNDICA NEWS BUREAU-
The U.S. Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) has canceled a $21 million grant intended for voter turnout initiatives in India, drawing both praise and criticism.
The decision, announced on February 16, was supported by U.S. President Donald Trump, who questioned why the funds were being directed to a country with significant financial resources.
“Why are we giving $21 million to India? They’ve got a lot more money. They are one of the highest taxing countries in the world in terms of us; we can hardly get in there because their tariffs are so high,” Trump remarked during an appearance at his Mar-a-Lago residence in Florida. “I have a lot of respect for India and their Prime Minister, but giving $21 million for voter turnout in India? What about voter turnout here?”
The grant was part of a larger cancellation of foreign assistance programs that DOGE deemed unnecessary or excessive. Along with the India project, the cancellation included $29 million for strengthening the political landscape in Bangladesh and $39 million for fiscal federalism and biodiversity conservation in Nepal.
BJP spokesperson Amit Malviya criticized the motivations behind the funding, suggesting that it was part of a broader effort to influence India’s political system. He questioned, “Who gains from this? Not the ruling party for sure!”
Malviya also accused foreign entities, particularly billionaire George Soros, of attempting to infiltrate Indian institutions. He linked the canceled funding to Soros’s influence, referencing past initiatives funded by Soros’s Open Society Foundation, which had been controversial in India. The BJP spokesperson further criticized the Congress party for enabling foreign involvement in the nation’s electoral process.
The cancellation of the $21 million grant has sparked intense debate, with opinions divided over foreign influence in India’s elections and the role of U.S. taxpayer dollars in international programs.
(Photo courtesy: Donald Trump Instagram)
