The United States has canceled major financial aid programs in several countries, including Bangladesh and India. Among them, a $29 million program aimed at political stability in Bangladesh has been terminated.
At the same time, the U.S. has also canceled a $21 million program allocated for India. The announcement was made by the newly established U.S. Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), led by Tesla CEO Elon Musk.
According to a report by Indian news outlet India Today on Sunday (February 16), the new U.S. administration under President Donald Trump is taking various measures to reduce the budget. As part of this initiative, millions of dollars in aid for multiple countries, including India and Bangladesh, have been revoked.
The DOGE stated that the U.S. has decided to cut a $21 million program intended to increase voter turnout in India and a $29 million program aimed at strengthening Bangladesh’s political landscape.
This decision is part of a broader reduction in international aid by the United States. It is expected to impact key initiatives aimed at political stability in Bangladesh and electoral improvements in India.
Elon Musk has repeatedly emphasized that if budget cuts are not implemented, “America will go bankrupt.” This initiative aligns with the administration’s planned budget overhaul.
India Today reports that the $21 million fund allocated for India was specifically intended to boost voter participation in the country’s elections. However, the DOGE announced on social media platform X that India will no longer receive this funding.
Notably, this announcement came just days after Donald Trump met with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi. While the two leaders made significant statements about strengthening U.S.-India relations, this funding cut was not mentioned in their joint statement or press conference.
Meanwhile, the $29 million program for Bangladesh was designed to enhance political stability and improve democratic governance. Last August, widespread student-led protests and mass demonstrations led to the ousting of the authoritarian government of Sheikh Hasina. Hasina fled to India, and an interim government led by Dr. Muhammad Yunus is now in power, working to ensure political stability.
In addition to Bangladesh and India, other countries will also be affected by the DOGE’s decision. These include:
Mozambique: $10 million
Cambodia: $2.3 million
Serbia: $14 million
Moldova: $22 million
Nepal: $39 million (across two initiatives)
Mali: $14 million
Several other countries and regions are also on the list of aid reductions.
