NEW DELHI: Over the past five years, the Government of India has spent Rs 25,398.14 crore on various development projects in neighbouring and other foreign countries as part of its commitment to international cooperation. The projects, implemented under Lines of Credit (LoC), the Concessional Finance Scheme (CFS), and Grant-in-Aid, span multiple sectors, including infrastructure, energy, healthcare, education, water supply, and transportation.
India’s development assistance is primarily aimed at strengthening ties with the Global South. The highest recipients of aid over the last five years have been Bhutan (Rs 9,595.65 crore), Nepal (Rs 3,615.43 crore), and Mauritius (Rs 3,518.17 crore), with Bangladesh, Myanmar, Sri Lanka, and Maldives also receiving significant funding. Other developing nations, including those in Africa, Latin America, and Eurasia, have also benefited from Indian investments.
Bangladesh: India has funded key infrastructure projects, including the Khulna-Mongla Port Rail Line (USD 378.92 million, completed) and the India-Bangladesh Friendship Pipeline (Rs 285.24 crore, completed), which enhances energy security in the region.
Nepal: India has supported power and transport infrastructure projects such as the Koshi Corridor Transmission Line (USD 91.12 million, under implementation) and the Jayanagar-Bardibas Cross Border Rail Link (Rs 564 crore, ongoing).
Bhutan: Several hydroelectric power projects, including Punatsangchhu-I (Rs 9,375.57 crore) and Punatsangchhu-II (Rs 9,445.68 crore), remain under implementation, strengthening Bhutan’s renewable energy sector.
Sri Lanka: India has invested in railway modernisation projects, including the supply of Diesel Multiple Units (USD 58.05 million, completed) and the Indian Housing Project (Rs 217.80 crore, ongoing), aimed at rebuilding housing in plantation areas.
Maldives: India has undertaken crucial infrastructure projects, such as the Hanimaadhoo International Airport expansion (USD 132.15 million, under implementation) and Addu City Development (USD 160.24 million, under implementation). The Maldives has received Rs 1,733.13 crore over the last five years.
Mauritius: India has played a vital role in Mauritius’ infrastructure growth, completing the Metro Express Project (USD 260 million) and funding social housing (Rs 150 crore, completed).
Tanzania: India has invested in water supply infrastructure, with the Lake Victoria Pipeline extension (USD 256.87 million, completed) and water schemes in 25 towns (USD 465 million, ongoing).
Zimbabwe: The Deka Pumping Station Upgrade (USD 48.1 million, completed) aims to enhance water security.
Mongolia: India is assisting in the construction of a crude oil refinery (USD 1,692.24 million, ongoing), enhancing the country’s energy independence.
The projects are financed through a combination of grants, concessional loans, and credit lines. While a large number have been completed, several remain under implementation with completion targets ranging from 2025 to 2028. The government continues to prioritise strategic partnerships, particularly in the energy, transport, and water sectors.
