LOK SABHA
UNSTARRED QUESTION NO- 940
ANSWERED ON- 05/12/2025
NEW DIPLOMATIC MISSIONS AND CONSULATES
940. SHRI SHRIRANG APPA CHANDU BARNE
SHRI RAVINDRA DATTARAM WAIKAR
SHRI NARESH GANPAT MHASKE
SHRI VISHALDADA PRAKASHBAPU PATIL
DR. SHRIKANT EKNATH SHINDE
SMT. BHARTI PARDHI
Will the Minister of EXTERNAL AFFAIRS be pleased to state :-
(a) the number of new diplomatic missions and consulates proposed to be opened during FY 2025–26 and their geographic distribution;
(b) the strategic rationale for selecting these countries, including diaspora presence, economic opportunities or geopolitical priorities;
(c) the model adopted for operationalising these missions sustainably, including budget allocation, infrastructure and human resource planning; and
(d) the manner in which such an expansion enhances India’s global visibility, supports Indian citizens abroad, and contributes to India’s image as a responsible development partner and leader in international cooperation?
ANSWER
THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS
(SHRI KIRTI VARDHAN SINGH)
(a) In FY 2025, 01 new Mission has been opened in Quito (Ecuador) and 4 new Consulates have been opened in Boston (USA), Los Angeles (USA), Kazan (Russia) and Yekaterinburg (Russia).
(b to d) The Ministry of External Affairs from time to time formulates proposals for opening of resident Missions in countries where there are no Indian Missions. It also establishes new Consulates to improve coverage and render better services. The broad foreign policy vision of the Government is to maximize India’s presence abroad in the most optimal manner. The objective of our foreign policy is also to build a conducive environment for India’s growth and development through partnerships with friendly countries. Countries are identified for opening of resident Indian Missions on the basis of potential for deepening strategic cooperation; strong potential for bilateral trade and investment; strong Diaspora presence; to bolster political outreach in multilateral fora; and for signalling India’s commitment to stepping up of diplomatic engagement with important countries/regions etc. The opening of Missions and Consulates abroad is determined by India’s overall strategic interest within the available financial and human resources.
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