MEA receives highest budget allocation till date

NEW DELHI: The Budget Estimates (BE) 2021-22 allocation of MEA is Rs 18154.73, roughly 5% higher than BE 2020-21 of Rs 17346.71 cr and 21 % higher than RE 2020-21 of Rs 15000 cr.

The allocation of Rs 18154.73 in BE 2021-22, is the highest allocation for the Ministry till date.

Development Partnership portfolio which constitutes India’s Aid Heads continues to be the focus and priority of budgetary allocation, forming 42% of total allocation.


As part of India’s Neighbourhood First policy, the largest share of India’s Aid portfolio is towards Aid to Bhutan.

India’s deep and extensive development partnership engagement with Nepal, Myanmar, IOR, Eurasian and African countries is reflected by their significant share in the aid portfolio.

A significant share of India’s aid portfolio in Budget 2021-22 is to cater to India’s sustained COVID Aid assistance to friendly countries including “Vaccine Maitri” grants.

Given India’s Presidency of UNSC in 2021-22 and India’s commitment towards multilateral cooperation, enhanced allocation in BE 2021-22 has been earmarked under United Nations and Other International Organisations, as compared to earlier years.

Enhanced allocation has been made commensurate with India’s expanding diplomatic footprint, with opening of new Missions, towards Embassies & Missions abroad.