More funds due to ‘Vaccine Maitri’, UNSC seat

Tribune News Service
New Delhi, February 1

The proposed budgetary allocation of the Ministry of External Affairs is the highest-ever at Rs 18154.,73, roughly 5 per cent higher than the budgetary estimates of Rs 17346.71 crore and 21 per cent higher than revised estimates of Rs 15,000 crore.

At least 42 per cent of the funds are meant for the Development Partnership portfolio, which continues to be the MEA’s focus and priority.

As part of India’s Neighbourhood First policy, the largest share of aid is towards for. The pattern of allocations also reflects the deep and extensive development partnership engagement with Nepal, Myanmar, IOR, Eurasian and African countries.

 A significant share of the aid portfolio in the Budget is to cater to India’s sustained Covid aid assistance to friendly countries including “Vaccine Maitri” grants.

Given India’s membership of the UNSC in 2021-22 and India’s commitment towards multilateral cooperation, enhanced allocation has been earmarked under UN 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 and missions abroad.