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| US President Donald Trump defends DOGE move to cancel $21 million USAID on voter turnout in India(AP) |
Speaking while signing executive orders at his Mar-a-Lago residence, Trump remarked, "Why are we giving USD 21 million to India? They have 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. I have a lot of respect for India and their Prime Minister, but giving USD 21 million for voter turnout?"
The decision to revoke the funding was announced by Elon Musk-led DOGE (Department of Government Expenditure) on February 16. In a post on social media platform X, DOGE listed the U.S. taxpayer-funded projects that had been scrapped, including the voter turnout initiative in India.
Political Controversy in India
The move has sparked a political controversy in India, with the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) accusing the opposition Congress of facilitating foreign interference in India's democratic process.
BJP IT cell head Amit Malviya alleged on X that the Congress-led United Progressive Alliance (UPA) government had enabled "the infiltration of India's institutions by forces opposed to the nation's interests." He further claimed that billionaire investor George Soros, a known critic of the Modi government, had an influence on India's electoral process through his ties to the Congress party.
Under pressure from the ruling party, the opposition Congress responded by calling for a probe into the matter. Senior Congress leader Ajay Maken told PTI, "The Congress party is clear that any kind of foreign intervention in our democratic process or election process is unwarranted and not correct, and we oppose it. It needs to be condemned and there should be a probe into it."
Implications of the Cancellation
The USAID grant cancellation underscores growing concerns in the U.S. about foreign aid spending, especially for democratic initiatives in economically strong nations. While U.S. aid has historically supported electoral processes in various countries, the decision reflects a shift in policy under Trump, who has been vocal about reducing foreign aid and prioritizing domestic spending.
The development also highlights the complex dynamics between India and the U.S., particularly regarding trade and economic policies. While both countries share strong diplomatic ties, issues such as tariffs, market access, and economic competition remain contentious points in their relationship.
As the political debate unfolds in India, the cancellation of the grant raises broader questions about foreign influence in elections and the role of international funding in democratic processes.
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