Bhutan gets lion’s share in MEA development aid

In line with India’s ‘Neighbourhood First’ policy, the largest share of aid portfolio for 2024-25 went to Bhutan with an allocation of Rs 2,068 crore as against Rs 2,400 crore in 2023-24.

Nepal would be provided Rs 700 crore against Rs 650 crore in 2023-24. The assistance to the Maldives has been kept at Rs 600 crore as against Rs 770 crore in 2023-24, despite recent strain in the bilateral ties. The allocation for Chabahar Port has also been maintained at Rs 100 crore, underlining India’s focus on connectivity projects with Iran.

In continuation with India’s special relationship with the people of Afghanistan, a budgetary aid of Rs 200 crore has been set aside. In 2023-24, it was Rs 220 crore.  An amount of Rs 120 crore will be provided to Bangladesh against Rs 130 crore in 2023-24. As per budget documents, Sri Lanka will get development aid worth Rs 75 crore (up from Rs 60 crore in 2023-24), Mauritius to receive Rs 370 crore (up from Rs 330 crore), while for Myanmar it is at Rs 250 crore (down from Rs 370 cr in 2023-24).