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US Stopped Funding To India : The US Government Efficiency Department, headed by billionaire Elon Musk, has announced major budget cuts, including a $21 million allocation meant to boost voter participation in India’s elections.
Musk was appointed as the head of the newly formed department by US President Donald Trump last month. The initiative aims to enhance governance and eliminate wasteful spending. On Saturday, the department shared a list of canceled expenditures in a post on X (formerly Twitter), including grants for political and election-related programs across multiple countries.
Key Canceled Allocations: Global Impact
The US government had planned to allocate funds to various international programs, which have now been canceled. These include:
- $486 million for strengthening election and political processes globally.
- $22 million to support an inclusive and participatory political process in Moldova.
- $21 million to increase voter participation in India’s elections.
- $29 million to strengthen the political landscape in Bangladesh.
- $20 million for fiscal federalism in Nepal.
- $19 million for biodiversity conservation in Nepal.
Other major cuts include:
- $10 million for voluntary medical male circumcision in Mozambique.
- $2.3 million to support independent voices in Cambodia.
- $32 million for the Prague Civil Society Centre.
- $40 million for the Centre for Gender Equality and Women’s Empowerment.
- $14 million to improve public procurement in Serbia.
- $47 million to enhance learning outcomes in Asia.
Decision Announced Before PM Modi’s US Visit
The decision to cut funding for India’s voter participation programs comes just days before Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to the US.
During his visit, PM Modi held discussions with President Donald Trump and Elon Musk, covering space, technology, and energy collaboration. Musk, the CEO of SpaceX and Tesla, also met with Modi’s family.
Although the post on X confirmed the funding cut, no further details were provided about the original allocation or how it was planned to be utilized.
Why These Cuts? US Government's Focus on Domestic Efficiency
The cuts reflect a policy shift under President Trump, prioritizing domestic governance and financial efficiency over international funding initiatives.
The Government Efficiency Department’s primary mission is to streamline US taxpayer spending and eliminate programs deemed unnecessary or wasteful.
With these new budgetary decisions, the US is focusing more on internal governance and cost reductions, potentially signaling a declining role in funding global democratic and social programs.
