MEA Gets Rs 22,118 Cr in Union Budget 2026-27; Bhutan Largest Aid Recipient

• The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has been allocated Rs 22,118 crore in the Union Budget for 2026-27, an increase from the previous fiscal.
• Bhutan receives the largest share of development aid at Rs 2,288 crore, followed by Nepal (Rs 800 crore), and Maldives and Mauritius (Rs 550 crore each).
• The total overseas development partnership portfolio is Rs 6,997 crore, with Rs 4,548 crore earmarked for immediate neighbors.
• Significant allocations include Rs 150 crore for Afghanistan, Rs 400 crore for Sri Lanka, and Rs 300 crore for Myanmar.
• Notably, no allocation has been made for the Chabahar port project, a departure from previous years.

Why It Matters: MEA's budget increases to Rs 22,118 crore, prioritizing aid to Bhutan and immediate neighbors.