<h1>Cabinet Approves 5-Year Extension of IDEAS Scheme to Boost India's Global Partnerships Through Lines of Credit.</h1> The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs, led by the Prime Minister, approved the second extension of the Indian Development and Economic Assistance Scheme (IDEAS) for five years, from 2015-16 to 2019-20. This scheme involves extending Lines of Credit (LoCs) to African and other developing countries, with financial implications including Interest Equalization Support for lending banks. The scheme aims to bolster India's diplomatic strategy and economic interests by fostering goodwill and partnerships. Since 2005, 222 LoCs totaling USD 14,640.19 million have been issued to 64 countries, with significant budgetary support for interest equalization.