India's foreign aid diplomacy: Union budget 2024-25 boosts global partnerships with ₹22,154 crore allocation

Union finance minister Nirmala Sitharaman, with finance secretary T V Somanathan, displays the Budget documents before tabling the Union budget 2024-25 in Parliament. This budget highlights India's substantial allocation of ₹22,154 crore for the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA). (Image source: PTI)

Prime Minister Narendra Modi with Bhutan’s King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck in Thimphu. Bhutan receives the highest aid of ₹2,068.56 crore, reflecting strong bilateral relations and India's commitment to its ‘Neighbourhood First’ policy. (Image source: PTI)

PM Modi with Bangladeshi counterpart Sheikh Hasina before a meeting in New Delhi. Bangladesh receives ₹120 crore, highlighting the continued strengthening of bilateral relations and India's commitment to its ‘Neighbourhood First’ policy. (Image source: PTI)

Representative image of Indo-Afghanistan relations. Afghanistan receives ₹200 crore, illustrating India's role in aiding the country's stability and development amidst ongoing challenges. (Image source: ANI)

PM Modi meets African Union Chairperson Azali Assoumani during the G20 Summit in New Delhi. African countries collectively receive ₹200 crore, showcasing India's expanding influence and engagement with the continent. (Image source: ANI)

Representative image of Indo-Myanmar relations. Myanmar receives ₹250 crore, highlighting India's commitment to support amidst the country's complex socio-political landscape. Also, an important step to counter China's influence in the country. (Image source: ANI)

External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar distributes an OCI Card to a 7th-generation Mauritian citizen in Port Louis. Mauritius receives ₹370 crore, symbolizing strong cultural and developmental ties. (Image source:ANI)

Maldives President Dr Mohamed Muizzu accepting the invitation to PM Modi's swearing-in ceremony. Maldives gets ₹400 crore in aid, reflecting India's continued support and partnership with the island nation. Although, the country's budget was decreased from previous' year amid increasing strained relations. (Image source: ANI)

External Affairs minister S Jaishankar and Nepal's FM Narayan Prakash Saud sign agreements in Kathmandu. Nepal receives ₹700 crore, emphasizing India's focus on connectivity and cooperation in the region. Also, an essential step to keep Nepal from China's increasing influence. (Image source: ANI)

PM Modi and Sri Lanka's President Ranil Wickremesinghe during a joint press statement in New Delhi. Sri Lanka receives ₹245 crore, underlining ongoing cooperation between the two nations. (Image source: PTI)