Sat Feb 01 16:00:47 UTC 2025: ## India’s Union Budget Boosts External Affairs Spending by 15.45%
**New Delhi, February 1, 2025** – The Indian government’s Union Budget for 2025-26 has significantly increased funding for the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), allocating ₹20,516.61 crore (excluding EXIM bank provisions). This represents a 15.45% rise compared to the previous year.
A substantial portion, ₹6,750 crore (33% of the total MEA budget), is earmarked for development partnerships, a 20% increase from the previous allocation. Neighboring countries will receive ₹4,320 crore for infrastructure projects, including hydroelectric plants and transportation networks. Maldives saw the largest increase in funding amongst neighboring countries, excluding Bhutan, which remains the largest overall recipient. Bangladesh’s allocation remains unchanged at ₹120 crore, and Nepal’s remains at ₹700 crore.
Funding for establishing new missions abroad has increased by 9%, with the budget for maintaining existing embassies and missions rising from ₹3,969.19 crore to ₹4,206.22 crore. Cultural projects will receive ₹20 crore.
The most significant increase is for passport centers, with a substantial jump from ₹970 crore to ₹1,913.47 crore. The government notes that budgetary allocations are subject to change based on future needs.
First Piper 