New Delhi:
The Ministry of Exterior Affairs (MEA) has allotted Rs 5,483 crore for assist to overseas nations, barely increased than final yr’s Rs 4,883 crore. The overall budget for the MEA stands at Rs 20,516 crore, with assist to neighbouring and strategic international locations remaining a vital element.
The MEA price range has positioned a key emphasis on India’s ‘Neighbourhood First’ coverage. Rs 4,320 crore – 64 per cent of the whole scheme portfolio – has been earmarked for the nation’s rapid neighbours for a number of initiatives like giant infrastructure initiatives similar to hydroelectric crops, energy transmission strains, housing, roads, bridges and built-in check-posts.
Bhutan Retains High Spot
Bhutan continues to be India’s largest overseas assist recipient, receiving Rs 2,150 crore in 2025-26. This is a rise from final yr’s allocation of Rs 2,068 crore. India stays Bhutan’s major growth companion, with funding directed in direction of infrastructure, hydropower initiatives, and financial cooperation.
Maldives Increase Amid Diplomatic Reset
India’s allocation for the Maldives has elevated from Rs 400 crore to Rs 600 crore. This comes at a time when Male is trying to fix ties with New Delhi following tensions over President Mohamed Muizzu’s pro-China stance after his electoral win.
In early 2024, India withdrew its army personnel from the Maldives. Now, with Maldivian Defence Minister Ghassan Maumoon visiting India earlier this month, efforts are underway to revive cooperation.
Afghanistan’s Support Decreased
Afghanistan has seen its assist allocation lower from Rs 200 crore final yr to Rs 100 crore in 2025-26. That is nonetheless a pointy decline from the Rs 207 crore granted two years in the past. India has been cautious in its dealings with the Taliban authorities, limiting its engagement to humanitarian assist and financial cooperation.
Earlier this yr, senior diplomat Vikram Misri met with Taliban officers in Dubai, marking the highest-level contact since Kabul’s takeover. Discussions centred round commerce and India’s curiosity in Iran’s Chabahar Port, which serves as a vital different commerce route bypassing Pakistan.
Regardless of these engagements, India has but to formally recognise the Taliban authorities.
Myanmar Sees Elevated Support
Myanmar’s allocation elevated from Rs 250 crore within the 2024-25 price range to Rs 350 crore for 2025-26 amid ongoing turmoil within the nation, the place ethnic armed teams have taken management of huge territories, together with areas bordering India’s northeastern states.
The Centre just lately tightened the foundations for the motion of individuals throughout the India-Myanmar border. The brand new guidelines prohibit motion from 16 km below the free motion regime (FMR) to 10 km, on both facet.
Different Key Allocations
India has maintained its allocation for Nepal at Rs 700 crore. The allocation for Sri Lanka noticed a rise from Rs 245 crore to Rs 300 crore because the crisis-hit southern neighbour recovers from an financial meltdown.
Support to Dhaka stays unchanged at Rs 120 crore amid a diplomatic rift between the 2 international locations following former Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s ouster final yr. Ms Hasina has been granted asylum in India, with the Muhammad Yunus-led authorities demanding her return.
Support to African nations rose to Rs 225 crore from Rs 200 crore final yr. The African Union joined the G20 in 2023 when India hosted the summit.
Latin America’s allocation has been elevated from Rs 30 crore to Rs 60 crore. Final yr, Union Minister of State for Exterior Affairs Pabitra Margherita launched into a nine-day official go to to Mexico, Grenada, Barbados, and Antigua and Barbuda, underscoring the deepening ties between India, Latin America and the Caribbean.
The allocation for Chabahar Port in Iran stays at Rs 100 crore. The port challenge serves as a significant commerce path to Afghanistan and Central Asia.
Catastrophe Reduction allocation noticed a large enhance from Rs 10 crore in 2024-25 to Rs 64 crore this yr. India has persistently been one of many first to answer international catastrophe aid initiatives. India was among the many early responders when Turkey witnessed devastating earthquakes in 2023. India additionally despatched aid to flood-hit international locations like Laos and Vietnam in 2024.
Past direct monetary assist, India can also be increasing its tender energy outreach. Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR) has obtained Rs 351 crore, up from Rs 331 crore final yr. Help for Worldwide Coaching Applications stands at Rs 1,247 crore.
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