The Indian government has allocated ₹5,667.56 crore (approximately $700 million) in grants and loans to foreign governments in the 2024-2025 budget. This is a decrease from the revised estimates for 2023-2024, which were ₹7,422.31 crore (approximately $922 million).
The Ministry of External Affairs received the largest allocation, with ₹4,927.43 crore (approximately $610 million). This includes ₹1,614.36 crore (approximately $202 million) in loans to Bhutan, the largest recipient of Indian assistance.
The Ministry of Finance received ₹2,448.18 crore (approximately $304 million), primarily for lines of credit under the Indian Development and Economic Assistance Scheme (IDEAS).
The Indian government provides grants and loans to foreign governments to promote development, strengthen strategic partnerships, and advance its foreign policy objectives. The specific amount of assistance provided to each country is determined by a number of factors, including the country's needs, its relationship with India, and India's own economic and security interests.
Here is a table of the top 10 recipients of Indian grants and loans in the 2024-2025 budget:
| Rank | Country | Grant (₹ crore) | Loan (₹ crore) | Total (₹ crore) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Bhutan | 784.61 | 1,614.36 | 2,398.97 |
| 2 | Mauritius | 330.00 | 0.00 | 330.00 |
| 3 | Myanmar | 370.00 | 0.00 | 370.00 |
| 4 | Nepal | 650.00 | 0.00 | 650.00 |
| 5 | Maldives | 770.90 | 0.00 | 770.90 |
| 6 | Sri Lanka | 60.00 | 0.00 | 60.00 |
| 7 | Afghanistan | 130.00 | 0.00 | 130.00 |
| 8 | Bangladesh | 130.00 | 0.00 | 130.00 |
| 9 | African Countries | 180.00 | 0.00 | 180.00 |
| 10 | Other Developing Countries | 95.00 | 0.00 | 95.00 |
It is important to note that this information is based on the budget estimates, and the actual amount of grants and loans disbursed may vary.
