Trump: India’s Growing Economy Doesn't Require U.S. Financial Assistance

U.S. President Donald Trump has supported the decision by the Department of Government Efficiencies (DGOE) to cancel a $21 million (₹182 crore) aid package intended to increase voter participation in India. Trump asserted that India’s economy is growing rapidly, generating substantial tax revenues, and therefore does not require financial assistance from the United States.

"Why should we give India $21 million? They have plenty of money. It is one of the highest-taxed countries in the world, and their tariffs are very high. I have great respect for India and its Prime Minister, but there is no need to provide $21 million to increase voting," Trump stated.

The decision to revoke the funding was announced on the 16th of this month by the Elon Musk-led "DGOE," which cited concerns over using American taxpayers' money for such initiatives. The agency stated that it would cancel all similar expenditures in the future.

The U.S. decision has sparked a political debate in India, with both the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the Indian National Congress (INC) accusing each other of enabling American interference in India's electoral process.