The U.S. Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), a newly established federal agency aimed at eliminating wasteful government spending, has uncovered and cut $21 million in U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) funds designated for increasing voter turnout in India.

The discovery was part of a broader audit in which DOGE identified $486 million in questionable expenditures, including $22 million allocated for an "inclusive and participatory political process" in Moldova. The funding had been channeled through the Consortium for Elections and Political Process Strengthening (CEPPS), a coalition of three major NGOs that promote democratic institutions worldwide.

CEPPS, which has received $3.7 billion in USAID funding since 2008, works through partner organizations such as the International Foundation for Electoral Systems (IFES) and the National Democratic Institute (NDI). These organizations, in turn, distribute funds to local NGOs operating in different countries, including India.

Foreign Influence Concerns

The funding cut has ignited controversy, especially against the backdrop of accusations of U.S. interference in foreign elections. Vice President JD Vance, speaking at the Munich Security Conference on February 14, warned about the risks of undemocratic interventions in global politics.

“The threat that I worry about the most is not Russia or China—it’s the erosion of democratic values from within,” Vance stated, citing concerns about election annulments in Europe and questioning U.S. involvement in such practices.

Republican critics have pointed to alleged corruption within USAID and claim that its funding mechanisms may have been used for political influence operations abroad. The revelation has raised suspicions about possible U.S. involvement in shaping electoral outcomes in India ahead of the 2024 elections.

The India Connection

According to financial records analyzed by NDTV, the IFES has had ongoing partnerships with organizations working in India, including the Asian Network for Free Elections (ANFREL). Documents indicate multiple financial transfers for projects related to election processes, though the specific nature of these initiatives remains unclear.

The ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has seized upon these revelations, pointing to an MOU signed between IFES and India’s Election Commission (ECI) under former Chief Election Commissioner SY Quraishi. BJP leaders have raised concerns about whether foreign funding was used to influence electoral participation in a way that could impact election outcomes.

CEPPS Website Goes Offline

Adding to the intrigue, the CEPPS website has recently gone offline, making it difficult to access its financial records and project details. However, documents from IFES indicate that its Indian operations were part of a larger global strategy to strengthen electoral processes.

The cessation of USAID funding for voter turnout programs in India could impact future collaborations between U.S. agencies and international NGOs. It also raises questions about whether the U.S. will continue financing similar programs elsewhere or shift its focus amid growing political scrutiny.

Looking Ahead

With President Donald Trump’s administration aggressively investigating past government expenditures, further audits of USAID and other federal agencies could lead to more funding cuts. The DOGE probe is expected to continue scrutinizing projects tied to international democracy-building efforts, raising concerns about the future of U.S. support for electoral initiatives abroad.

Meanwhile, the Biden administration has yet to respond to allegations that USAID funds were misused or politically motivated. As details emerge, both U.S. and Indian authorities may face increasing pressure to clarify the extent and purpose of foreign election-related funding.