The Budget has allocated funds for projects related to Afghanistan. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) will have ₹200 crore to spend on that country. It will also dedicate ₹600 crore for Myanmar, which is currently reeling under civil war since the military coup of February 2021. Bhutan, as usual, has received the biggest allocation with ₹2266.24 crore.
Noteworthy that India does not have a diplomatic presence in Kabul, where its embassy has remained shut since the Taliban took over in August. Afghanistan has been a steady recipient of India’s grants over the last two decades and the Government of President Ashraf Ghani last year received around ₹348 crore. India has showcased its assistance to Afghanistan as aid-oriented, which is focused on development projects on the ground.
