News Excerpt:

The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has been granted a record allocation of Rs 22,154 crore for the fiscal year 2024-25 in the Union Budget, marking a significant increase from the previous year's budget of Rs 18,050 crore.

More details about the news:

• The Budget provides MEA with the resources to advance key policies, including Neighbourhood First, Act East, Global South, and to support facilities for Indians traveling abroad.
• This substantial allocation has underlined India’s strategic ambition to enhance its global influence and bolster its position as a leading voice among developing nations – the ‘Global South’.
• The budget for the MEA is carefully allocated across various sectors, such as aid to foreign nations, establishment costs, and funding for autonomous bodies and international institutions.
• A notable portion of this budget, Rs 5,667.56 crore, is designated for central programs and schemes aimed at providing assistance to other countries, particularly those requiring humanitarian support.
• This allocation also backs international training programs funded by India through multilateral and bilateral aid.
• This also includes the ‘Scheme for Welfare of Women Abroad,’ providing financial, medical, and legal assistance from the Nirbhaya fund to women facing problems abroad.
• The contributions towards international bodies have been reduced by 35.16% in the Union budget 2024-25 from the revised estimates of 2023-24.

More about the allocation:

• The cut in allocation to the Maldives came amid strain in ties between the two countries since Mohamed Muizzu, known for his pro-China leanings, became president of the island nation in November last year.
• The amount for African countries has been pegged at Rs 200 crore. 
• Separately, an amount of Rs 989 crore has been kept under the head 'advances to foreign governments'.
• The Chabahar port project in Iran continues to receive a steady allocation of Rs 100 crore, unchanged for the past three years.