Chidambaram Questions MEA Budget Cuts
Congress leader P Chidambaram raised concerns about the reduced budget allocation for the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) during the Union Budget 2025-26 discussions in [[Rajya Sabha]]. He questioned whether Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman was emulating Elon Musk’s cost-cutting approach, referring to Musk’s role in streamlining the US government.
Budget Allocation Analysis
The MEA’s budget allocation has seen a decrease, from Rs 22,154 crore in the initial estimate for 2023-24 to a revised estimate of Rs 25,277 crore. The proposed allocation for 2025-26 is further reduced to Rs 20,516 crore.
Chidambaram highlighted this trend, recalling the allocation of Rs 28,915 crore in 2023-24 and questioning the rationale behind the continuous decline. He sought clarification from the government on whether this signifies a reduction in India’s global presence and possible closures of embassies or consulates.
Concerns about India’s Global Presence
Chidambaram’s ‘Elon Musk’ analogy alluded to the tech billionaire’s efforts to reduce government spending. He expressed concern that the MEA budget cuts could mean India scaling back its international footprint. He asked, “Are we shrinking our world presence? Are we closing down embassies? Are we closing down consulates?”.
MEA’s Budget Priorities
Despite the overall reduction, the MEA’s budget allocates Rs 5,483 crore for aid to other countries, slightly more than the previous fiscal year’s Rs 4,883 crore. The ‘Neighbourhood First’ policy receives significant attention, with Rs 4,320 crore dedicated to neighboring countries, accounting for 64% of the total scheme portfolio. This aid will fund infrastructure projects like hydroelectric plants, power transmission lines, housing, roads, bridges, and integrated check-posts.
Aid Distribution among Neighbors
Bhutan receives the largest share of development aid at Rs 2,150 crore, followed by Nepal with Rs 700 crore and the Maldives with Rs 600 crore. Latin America and Eurasia together receive Rs 100 crore in assistance.
Political Implications
Chidambaram’s intervention sparked discussions on the implications of the MEA’s budget cuts. Fellow politicians and [[news]] analysts debated the impact on India’s foreign policy and its standing in the global community. This latest budget news highlights the government’s changing priorities and raises important questions about the nation’s global role.
