The Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), headed by Elon Musk, has announced the cancellation of multiple US government-funded international projects. The decision, revealed through an official DOGE post on X, has reignited discussions about foreign involvement in India’s electoral process. In addition to the $21 million for India’s voter turnout, other projects were also scrapped, such as $10 million earmarked for voluntary medical male circumcision in Mozambique. Other cancellations included $14 million for social cohesion in Mali, $2.5 million for promoting inclusive democracies in Southern Africa, and $47 million aimed at improving learning outcomes in Asia. The department, which was established under the Donald Trump administration, is focused on cutting costs drastically. It has, however, encountered resistance, particularly concerning its efforts to gain access to critical government computer systems, including the Treasury payment system. The announcement of these cancellations comes shortly after Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s recent visit to the US. The two leaders discussed strengthening bilateral collaboration in areas such as innovation, space exploration, artificial intelligence, and sustainable development. They also explored opportunities to enhance cooperation in emerging technologies, entrepreneurship, and governance.
