India Boosts Aid to Key Neighbors, Cuts for Others; Pakistan, China on Edge

• India's Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) budget increased by 1,600 crore rupees to 22,119 crore rupees for the upcoming financial year.
• Aid to Afghanistan, Nepal, Bhutan, and Sri Lanka has been significantly increased, reflecting India's 'Neighbour First' policy and strategic priorities.
• Afghanistan's allocation rose by 50 crore rupees to 150 crore rupees, a move expected to trouble Pakistan due to India's growing regional influence.
• Allocations for Bangladesh and Maldives were cut to 60 crore rupees and 550 crore rupees respectively, signaling a more limited scope of cooperation.
• Increased aid to Nepal (800 crore rupees) and Bhutan (2,288 crore rupees) aims to counter China's growing influence and investment in these nations.

Why It Matters: India's MEA budget reflects a strategic shift, increasing aid to key allies while reducing it for others.