Ministry of External Affairs (India)

Ministry of External Affairs (India)
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Name	Ministry of External Affairs
Native name	विदेश मंत्रालय
Seal caption	State Emblem of India
Formed	2 September 1946
Headquarters	South Block, Raisina Hill, New Delhi
Minister1 name	Subrahmanyam Jaishankar
Minister1 pfo	Minister of External Affairs
Chief1 name	Vinay Mohan Kwatra
Chief1 position	Foreign Secretary
Chief2 name	Pavan Kapoor
Chief2 position	Secretary (West)
Chief3 name	Saurabh Kumar
Chief3 position	Secretary (East)
Chief4 name	Dammu Ravi
Chief4 position	Secretary (Economic Relations)

Ministry of External Affairs (India) is the government agency responsible for the conduct of foreign relations of India. Headquartered at South Block in New Delhi, it is headed by the Union Cabinet Minister for External Affairs. The ministry plays a pivotal role in formulating and executing India's foreign policy, managing diplomatic missions, and protecting the interests of Indian nationals abroad.

History

The ministry's origins trace back to the British Raj, where external affairs were handled by the Foreign and Political Department of the Government of India. Following independence, the Indian Independence Act 1947 led to the establishment of a separate ministry, with India's first Prime Minister, Jawaharlal Nehru, also serving as the first external affairs minister. Key early milestones included shaping the Non-Aligned Movement, engaging in the Korean War armistice, and managing relations during events like the Annexation of Goa and the Sino-Indian War. The ministry's role expanded significantly after the economic liberalization of 1991, navigating a transformed global order post-Cold War and strengthening ties with major powers like the United States and the European Union.

Organization and structure

The ministry is organized into both territorial and functional divisions. The territorial divisions handle relations with specific countries and regions, such as the Americas Division, Europe West Division, and Pakistan, Afghanistan and Iran Division. Key functional divisions include the Economic Diplomacy Division, the Consular, Passport & Visa Division, and the Disarmament & International Security Affairs Division. The ministry is led by the Foreign Secretary, the senior-most civil servant, supported by Secretaries overseeing specific domains. India's diplomatic network includes over 120 embassies and high commissions worldwide, alongside permanent missions to multilateral forums like the United Nations in New York City and Geneva.

Functions and responsibilities

The ministry's primary function is to represent, protect, and promote India's national interests in the international arena. This involves conducting high-level diplomacy, negotiating treaties and agreements such as the Indo-US nuclear deal, and participating in international organizations including the World Trade Organization and the G20. It provides consular services to Non-Resident Indians and manages crisis situations involving Indian citizens overseas, as seen during Operation Rahat in Yemen. The ministry also coordinates with other departments on cross-cutting issues like Climate change negotiations and international security cooperation.

Key diplomatic missions and relations

India maintains a vast global diplomatic presence, with critical missions in capitals like Washington, D.C., Beijing, London, and Moscow. Key bilateral relationships are managed through strategic partnerships, including with the United States (India–United States relations), Japan (India–Japan relations), and Russia (India–Russia relations). The ministry prioritizes engagement with immediate neighbors under the Neighbourhood First policy, focusing on countries like Bangladesh, Nepal, and Sri Lanka. It also leads engagement with multilateral blocs such as the ASEAN, the African Union, and the BIMSTEC.

Ministers and officials

The political head is the Minister of External Affairs, a member of the Union Council of Ministers. The incumbent is Subrahmanyam Jaishankar, a former Indian Foreign Service officer. The ministry's administration is led by the Foreign Secretary; the current officeholder is Vinay Mohan Kwatra. Other senior officials include several Secretaries to the Government, such as the Secretary (East) and Secretary (West), who oversee geographical divisions. Notable former ministers include Jawaharlal Nehru, Atal Bihari Vajpayee, and Sushma Swaraj.

Initiatives and programs

The ministry oversees several flagship initiatives aimed at strengthening India's global engagement and soft power. A major program is the Development Partnership Administration, which coordinates foreign aid and capacity-building projects in partner countries, especially in Africa and South Asia. Cultural and people-to-people outreach is managed through the Indian Council for Cultural Relations and events like the Pravasi Bharatiya Divas. The ministry also drives economic diplomacy efforts to attract foreign direct investment, promote initiatives like Make in India, and foster connectivity projects such as the International North–South Transport Corridor and the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor.

Category:Ministry of External Affairs (India) India Category:Government ministries of India