Elon Musk’s Department Cuts U.S. Funding for Indian Elections After Meeting PM Modi
In a significant move, the U.S. government, under Donald Trump’s administration, has halted financial aid to India meant for election-related programs. The decision comes just days after Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi met with Elon Musk, head of the U.S. Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE).
U.S. Halts $21 Million Election Funding to India
The DOGE announced on Sunday that the U.S. has decided to cut back on a $21 million program designed to increase voter participation in India. Previously, the U.S. allocated these funds to support electoral engagement in India, but this financial aid will no longer be provided.
Decision Follows Modi-Trump Meeting
This announcement comes shortly after Modi and Trump held discussions aimed at strengthening U.S.-India relations. During their meeting, the two leaders made several key declarations regarding economic and strategic cooperation. However, the latest decision to cut funding has sparked debate in India.
BJP Responds: Calls It External Interference in Elections
The ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has reacted strongly to the decision. Amit Malviya, head of BJP’s IT cell, claimed that the funding was being used to influence Indian elections. He accused the opposition party, Congress, and American businessman George Soros of attempting to interfere in India’s electoral process.
Malviya further questioned who had benefited from the funds, emphasizing that the BJP had never gained any advantage from this financial aid. He also pointed out that in 2012, under Chief Election Commissioner S.Y. Quraishi, the Election Commission of India signed an MoU with the International Foundation for Electoral Systems (IFES), which receives financial support from USAID and is linked to George Soros’ Open Society Foundations.
Elon Musk Met PM Modi Days Before the Announcement
PM Modi, who was on an official visit to the U.S., met Elon Musk on February 13 at Blair House. According to the Indian Ministry of External Affairs, their discussions revolved around innovation, space, artificial intelligence, and strengthening collaboration between Indian and American institutions.
Following the meeting, PM Modi shared photos on his social media platform, stating, “Had a great meeting with Elon Musk. We discussed several topics, including space, mobility, technology, and innovation.”
DOGE’s Role in Government Spending Cuts
Elon Musk’s department, DOGE, is focused on reducing unnecessary government expenditures. According to a CNN report, the Trump administration has set an aggressive target to cut federal spending. As part of this initiative, several countries besides India will see their U.S. aid discontinued:
- Mozambique – $10 million
- Prague – $32 million
- Cambodia – $2.3 million
- Serbia – $14 million
- Liberia – $1.5 million
- South Africa – $2.5 million
- Mali – $14 million
- Asia (regional programs) – $47 million
This move has raised concerns globally, with analysts questioning the impact on international diplomatic relations and election funding programs.
