US Cancels $21 Million Election Grant to India; BJP Leader Raises Concerns

The United States has reportedly canceled $21 million in funding intended to increase voter turnout in India. BJP leader Amit Malviya criticized the funding, calling it external interference in India’s electoral process.

Malviya questioned the purpose of the grant and suggested it would not benefit the BJP. He accused the Congress party and businessman George Soros of attempting to influence Indian elections through such funding.

The decision to cancel the funding was reportedly made by a department under Elon Musk’s jurisdiction. Speaking to reporters, Musk explained that India has significant financial resources and does not require such grants. Trump too highlighted India’s high tariffs on American goods as a point of contention, though he emphasized his respect for India and Prime Minister Narendra Modi.