NEW DELHI: During the Joe Biden administration, the United States committed over $20 million to promote democratic participation in India.
The American fund is close to the $21-million estimate of Elon Musk and the US foreign assistance data on promoting democratic participation and civil society in India.
In the 2024 election year, the US allocated $5.5 million toward voter turnout initiatives, and in 2023, $6.1 million was spent under the same head.
Over the past four years, the total commitment for democratic participation was $20.1 million, with $13.25 million disbursed (see table).
However, the data does not specify the organisations that received the funds, making it unclear where the money went or the direct impact on voter turnout. However, the US released only $13.5 million in the same period, against the commitment of $20.1 million under the head of Democratic Participation and Civil Society during the Biden administration’s period of 2021-24.
Curiously, the major funds were disbursed during the pre-General election year 2023 and the general election year 2024.
In 2024, it disbursed $5.5 million against a commitment of $6.8 million, and in 2023, it overspent $6.1 million against a commitment of $4.1 million to its partner organisations.
However, it released $1.1 million in 2022 against a commitment of $4.6 million and $0.55 million against a commitment of $4.6 million.
Earlier this week, the DOGE cancelled the $21m funds allocated to India to increase voter turnout, which ignited a political controversy.
The announcement by the Musk-led department to cut down on ‘unnecessary federal spending’ sparked controversy in India, with the BJP criticising the Congress.
BJP IT cell head Amit Malviya accused the Congress-led UPA government of allowing foreign forces to undermine India’s institutions.
In response, Congress demanded a probe in the matter with senior leader Ajay Maken saying foreign intervention in India’s democratic or election process is unacceptable and should be condemned.