New Delhi, Feb. 1 -- The Maldives has received the highest increase in India's development aid among Southeast Asian nations in the Union Budget 2025, following a tumultuous year in bilateral relations, media reports said.

As per the budget document, the Maldives has been allotted Rs 600 crore for the 2025-26 fiscal year, a significant rise from the Rs 470 crore it received in 2024-25.

The visit was perceived in the Maldives as an attempt to redirect tourism to the Indian archipelago.

In line with its 'Neighbourhood First' policy, India allocated the highest development aid to Bhutan at Rs 2,150 crore, followed by Nepal with Rs 700 crore.

Meanwhile, Myanmar's aid allocation was cut from Rs 400 crore to Rs 350 crore, while funding for ...