Here's why this small monarchy remains India's top foreign-aid priority

Aid to Maldives rose 45% in the FY17, it dropped 89% in 2012-13

The monarchy of Bhutan has remained the biggest beneficiary–by amount and share–of Indian foreign aid for 17 years, but over the last nine years, Afghanistan has made it to the distant second spot, preferred over traditional recipients Nepal and Bangladesh, according to an IndiaSpend analysis of Indian foreign ministry data¹.

Although its share of foreign aid is falling and that of African countries, listed as a group, is growing, Bhutan has remained India’s unfailing priority because of its strategic location, its dependence on India and its hydropower potential.