Ministry of External Affairs (India): Difference between revisions

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{{Short description|India's Foreign Ministry}}
{{Short description|Government ministry of India}}
{{For|list of ministers|Minister of External Affairs (India)}}
{{use dmy dates|date=March 2017}}
{{use dmy dates|date=March 2017}}
{{use Indian English|date=March 2017 }}
{{use Indian English|date=March 2017}}
{{Infobox government agency
{{Infobox government agency
| agency_name = Ministry of External Affairs
| agency_name = Ministry of External Affairs
| seal = Emblem_of_India.svg
| seal_width = 70px
| seal_caption = [[Emblem of India]]
| picture = South block new image.jpg
| picture_width = 300
| picture_caption = [[South Block]]
| nativename_a =  
| nativename_a =  
| formed = 2 September 1946
| type = Ministry
| seal = Government of India logo.svg
| seal_size = 100px
| seal_caption = Branch of Government of India
| logo = Ministry of External Affairs India.svg
| logo_width = 250px
| logo_caption = Ministry of External Affairs of the Republic of India
| picture =
| picture_width =
| picture_caption =
| formed = September 1946
| preceding1 =  
| preceding1 =  
| jurisdiction = [[Republic of India]]
| jurisdiction = [[Government of India]]
| headquarters = [[South Block]]<br/> [[Raisina Hill]], [[New Delhi]]
| headquarters = Jawaharlal Nehru Bhawan<br/>[[Janpath]], [[New Delhi]]
| minister1_name = [[Subrahmanyam Jaishankar]]
| minister1_name = [[Subrahmanyam Jaishankar]]
| minister1_pfo = [[Minister of External Affairs (India)|Minister of External Affairs]]
| minister1_pfo = [[Minister of External Affairs (India)|Minister of External Affairs]]
Line 21: Line 26:
| minister3_name =  
| minister3_name =  
| minister3_pfo =  
| minister3_pfo =  
| chief1_name = [[Harsh Vardhan Shringla]],<ref>{{cite news|url=https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/politics-and-nation/harsh-vardhan-shringla-takes-charge-as-new-foreign-secretary/articleshow/73723160.cms|title=Harsh Vardhan Shringla takes over as foreign secretary: The Economic Times|newspaper=The Economic Times|date=29 January 2020}}</ref> [[Indian Foreign Service|IFS]]
| deputyminister1_name = [[Kirti Vardhan Singh]]
| website = {{URL|http://www.mea.gov.in/}}
| deputyminister1_pfo = [[Minister of State|MoS]]
| logo =
| deputyminister2_name = [[Pabitra Margherita]]
| employees = 11,403<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/central-govt-to-hire-2-8-lakh-more-staff-police-i-t-customs-to-get-lions-share/articleshow/57420276.cms|title=Central govt to hire 2.8 lakh more staff, police, I-T & customs to get lion's share|last=Thakur|first=Pradeep|date=March 2, 2017|website=[[The Times of India]]|location=[[New Delhi]]|access-date=January 14, 2018}}</ref> <small>(2018 est.)</small>
| deputyminister2_pfo = [[Minister of State|MoS]]
| budget = {{INRConvert|18000|c}} <small>(2021-2022 est.)</small><ref>{{Cite web|title=Union budget allocates over Rs 18,000 cr for external affairs ministry, Rs 7,149 cr for foreign aid|url=https://www.aninews.in/news/world/asia/union-budget-allocates-over-rs-18000-cr-for-external-affairs-ministry-rs-7149-cr-for-foreign-aid20210201194004/|access-date=2021-02-02|website=ANI News|language=en}}</ref>
| deputyminister3_name =  
| deputyminister3_pfo =  
| chief1_name = [[Vikram Misri]]
| chief1_position = [[Foreign Secretary (India)|Foreign Secretary]]
| chief1_position = [[Foreign Secretary (India)|Foreign Secretary]]
| chief2_name = [[Reenat Sandhu]]
| chief2_name = [[Sibi George]]
| chief2_position = Secretary (West)
| chief2_position = Secretary (West)
| chief3_name = [[Riva Ganguly Das]], [[Indian Foreign Service|IFS]]
| chief3_name = [[Periasamy Kumaran]]
| chief3_position = Secretary (East)
| chief3_position = Secretary (East)
| chief4_name = Sanjay Bhattacharyya, [[Indian Foreign Service|IFS]]
| chief4_name = Sripriya Ranganatha
| chief4_position = Secretary (CPV&OIA)
| chief4_position = Secretary (CPV & OIA)
| chief5_name = Rahul Chhabra,<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.mea.gov.in/ser.htm|title=MEA &#124; About MEA : Profiles : Secretary (ER)}}</ref> [[Indian Foreign Service|IFS]]
| chief5_name = Sudhakar Dalela
| chief5_position = Secretary (Economic Relations)
| chief5_position = Secretary (Economic Relations)
| chief6_name = Arindam Bagchi, [[Indian Foreign Service|IFS]]
| chief6_name = [[Neena Malhotra]]
| chief6_position = Official Spokesperson and Joint Secretary (XP)
| chief6_position = Secretary (South)
| chief7_name =  
| chief7_name = [[Randhir Jaiswal]]
| chief7_position =  
| chief7_position = [[Official Spokesperson of the Ministry of External Affairs (India)|AS-XP and Spokesperson]]
| chief8_name =  
| chief8_name =  
| chief8_position =  
| chief8_position =  
| chief9_name =  
| chief9_name =  
| chief9_position =  
| chief9_position =  
| employees = * [[Indian Foreign Service|IFS]] (A): 954<ref>{{cite news |last1=Service |first1=Express News |title=IFS cadre strength at 954; 200 SC/ST and 263 women diplomats |url=https://www.newindianexpress.com/nation/2025/Dec/12/ifs-cadre-strength-at-954-200-scst-and-263-women-diplomats |access-date=30 December 2025 |work=The New Indian Express |date=12 December 2025 |language=en}}</ref>
* IFS (B): 4,297
| budget = {{INRConvert|22118.97|c}} <small>(2026–27)</small><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.indiabudget.gov.in/doc/eb/sumsbe.pdf|title=Budget Provisions, net of receipts and recoveries, for the year 2026-2027|website=www.indiabudget.gov.in|access-date=1 February 2026}}</ref>
| parent_department =  
| parent_department =  
| deputyminister1_name = [[V. Muraleedharan]]
| website = {{URL|http://www.mea.gov.in/|mea.gov.in}}
| deputyminister1_pfo = Minister of State for External Affairs
| deputyminister2_name = [[Rajkumar Ranjan Singh]]
| deputyminister2_pfo = Minister of State for External Affairs
| deputyminister3_name = [[Meenakshi Lekhi]]
| deputyminister3_pfo = Minister of State for External Affairs
| type = Ministry
}}
}}
The '''Ministry of External Affairs''' (abbreviated as '''MEA'''; [[International Alphabet of Sanskrit Transliteration|IAST]]: ''Vidésha Mantrālaya विदेश मंत्रालय'' ) of [[India]] is the government agency responsible for maintaining the of [[foreign relations of India]]. It is headed by the [[Minister of External Affairs (India)|Minister of External Affairs]], a cabinet minister. The administrative head is the [[Foreign Secretary (India)|Foreign Secretary of India]], an Indian Foreign Service officer. The Ministry represents the [[Government of India]] through embassies and is also responsible for India's representation at the [[United Nations]] and other international organizations. It also advises other Ministries and State Governments on foreign governments and institutions.
The '''Ministry of External Affairs''' (abbreviated as '''MEA'''; [[ISO 15919|ISO]]: {{transliteration|hi|ISO|Vidēśa Mantrālaya}}) is a [[Ministry (government department)|ministry]] of the [[Government of India]] tasked with India's [[Indian foreign policy|foreign policy]] and [[Foreign relations of India|relations]]. The Ministry is headed by the [[Minister of External Affairs (India)|Minister of External Affairs]], a member of the [[Union Council of Ministers|Prime Minister's Cabinet]]. The Minister is typically assisted by one or more junior ministers, known as Ministers of State (MoS) for External Affairs. The [[Foreign Secretary (India)|Foreign Secretary of the Republic of India]] is the senior-most non-elected official and the administrative head of the ministry.
 
The Ministry of External Affairs operates more than [[List of diplomatic missions of India|200 diplomatic missions]] around the world through which it represents the [[Government of India]] on the international stage. In addition, the Ministry is responsible for India's representation at the [[United Nations]] and other international organizations. The Ministry is also responsible for the repatriation of Indian citizens in danger abroad and in the extradition of fugitives who have fled India. The Ministry of External Affairs may also advise other ministries and state governments in their interactions with foreign entities and brief them on pertinent international developments.
 
The  [[Committee on External Affairs|Parliamentary Standing Committee on External Affairs]], consisting of elected members from both the [[Lok Sabha]] and the [[Rajya Sabha]], is tasked with this ministry's legislative oversight.
 
As of March 2025, the ministry has the current sanctioned strength of [[Indian Foreign Service|IFS]] (A) is 1,177 and General Cadre IFS (B) is 2,379, Stenographers' Cadre is 1,209, other cadre is 1,150 and local cadre is 3,119.<ref>{{cite web |title=QUESTION NO-3097 SERVICE CONDITIONS OF IFS OFFICERS ON DOMESTIC POSTINGS |url=https://www.mea.gov.in/rajya-sabha.htm?dtl/39261/QUESTION+NO3097+SERVICE+CONDITIONS+OF+IFS+OFFICERS+ON+DOMESTIC+POSTINGS |website=mea.gov.in |publisher=MEA |access-date=30 December 2025 |date=27 March 2025}}</ref>


==History==
==History==
The Ministry was initially the '''Ministry of External Affairs and Commonwealth Relations''', a holdover from the [[British Raj]]. It was renamed the Ministry of External Affairs in 1948.<ref name=AR49>{{cite web|title=REPORT OF THE Ministry of External Affairs 1949-50|url=http://mealib.nic.in/reports/1949-50.pdf|publisher=Government of India|access-date=10 October 2012}}</ref> Prime Minister [[Jawaharlal Nehru]] held the portfolio as an additional charge till his death in 1964 and it was only then that a separate Minister with Cabinet rank was appointed. The ministry is responsible for the administration of [[Naga hills|Naga Hills]], [[Tuensang|Tuensang Area]], Indian Emigration Act of 1923, the Reciprocity Act of 1943, the Port Haj Committee Act of 1932, the Indian Merchant Shipping Act in so far as it relates to pilgrim ships, the Indian Pilgrim Shipping Rules of 1933, the Protection of Pilgrims Act of 1887 (Bombay) and the Protection of the Mohammedan Pilgrims Act of 1896 (Bengal) are also the special responsibility of the Ministry of External Affairs.
The Ministry was initially the '''Ministry of External Affairs and Commonwealth Relations''', a holdover from the [[British Raj]]. It was renamed the Ministry of External Affairs in 1948.<ref name=AR49>{{cite web|title=REPORT OF THE Ministry of External Affairs 1949-50|url=http://mealib.nic.in/reports/1949-50.pdf|publisher=Government of India|access-date=10 October 2012}}</ref> Prime Minister [[Jawaharlal Nehru]] held the portfolio as an additional charge till his death in 1964 and it was only then that a separate Minister with Cabinet rank was appointed. The ministry is responsible for the administration of [[Naga hills|Naga Hills]], [[Tuensang|Tuensang Area]], [[Emigration Act, 1983|the Emigration Act of 1983]], the Reciprocity Act of 1943, the Port Haj Committee Act of 1932, the Indian Merchant Shipping Act in so far as it relates to pilgrim ships, the Indian Pilgrim Shipping Rules of 1933, the Protection of Pilgrims Act of 1887 (Bombay) and the Protection of the Mohammedan Pilgrims Act of 1896 (Bengal).


The Ministry is the cadre controlling authority of the [[Indian Foreign Service]], the service is wholly under the administration and supervision of the External Affairs Ministry.
The Ministry was integrated with [[Ministry of Overseas Indian Affairs]] on 7 January 2016.<ref>{{cite tweet|number=685033681509982208|user=SushmaSwaraj|title=Hon'ble Prime Minister has kindly accepted my proposal. So MOIA will now be part of Ministry of External Affairs.|author=Sushma Swaraj|date=7 January 2016}}</ref> The government said that the decision was taken in line with government's "overall objective of minimizing government and maximizing governance" and that it will help the government address duplication as well as unnecessary delays.<ref>{{cite news |title=Government to merge overseas Indian affairs ministry with MEA - Times of India |work=The Times of India |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/Government-to-merge-overseas-Indian-affairs-ministry-with-MEA/articleshow/50491031.cms |access-date=25 January 2018}}</ref>
 
The Ministry is the cadre-controlling authority of the [[Indian Foreign Service]]; the service is wholly under the administration and supervision of the External Affairs Ministry.


==Organizational structure==
==Organizational structure==
The Ministry of External Affairs is headed by the '''Minister of External Affairs''' (or simply, the '''Foreign Minister''', in Hindi '''''Videsh Mantri''''').The [[Foreign Secretary (India)|Foreign Secretary]] is the most senior civil servant who is the head of the Department of Foreign Affairs,<ref name="External Affairs Ministry, Who">{{cite web |url=http://meaindia.nic.in/staticfile/organisation.pdf |title=Who is Who: Organisation Structure and officers of the Ministry of External Affairs of Republic of India |access-date=15 February 2012 |publisher=Ministry of External Affairs |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120214101600/http://meaindia.nic.in/staticfile/organisation.pdf |archive-date=14 February 2012 |url-status=dead }}</ref> and is supported by other [[Secretary to Government of India|secretary]] level officers.
The Ministry of External Affairs is headed by the Minister of External Affairs (or simply, the Foreign Minister; in {{langx|hi|Videsh Mantri}}).The [[Foreign Secretary (India)|Foreign Secretary]] is the most senior civil servant who is the head of the Department of Foreign Affairs,<ref name="External Affairs Ministry, Who">{{cite web |url=https://www.mea.gov.in/Images/amb1/Mea_Organograms.pdf |title=Organogram of the Ministry of External Affairs |access-date=27 November 2023 |publisher=Ministry of External Affairs |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120214101600/http://meaindia.nic.in/staticfile/organisation.pdf |archive-date=14 February 2012 |url-status=dead }}</ref> and is supported by other [[Secretary to Government of India|secretary]] level officers.
*[[Foreign Secretary (India)|Foreign Secretary]] &mdash; [[Harsh Vardhan Shringla]]<ref name = "MEA">{{cite web|access-date = 31 July 2020|url = https://www.mea.gov.in/secretaries.htm|title = Secretaries, Ministry of External Affairs}}</ref>
 
*[[Secretary to Government of India|Secretary]] (West) &mdash; [[Reenat Sandhu]]<ref name = "MEA"/>
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center; width:100%; border:2px solid black; border-collapse: collapse;"
*[[Secretary to Government of India|Secretary]] (East) &mdash; [[Riva Ganguly Das]]<ref name = "MEA"/>
|-
*[[Secretary to Government of India|Secretary]] (Economic Relations) &mdash; Rahul Chhabra<ref name = "MEA"/>
! colspan="6" style="width:100%; background-color:#f2f2f2;" | [[Minister of External Affairs (India)|Minister of External Affairs]]
*[[Secretary to Government of India|Secretary]] (Consular, Passport, Visa and Overseas Indian Affairs) &mdash; Sanjay Bhattacharyya<ref name = "MEA"/>
|-
*Official Spokesperson and [[Joint Secretary to Government of India|Joint Secretary]] (External Publicity) &mdash; Arindam Bagchi<ref>{{Cite web|date=2021-03-20|title=Arindam Bagchi succeeds Anurag Srivastava as MEA spokesperson|url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/arindam-bagchi-succeeds-anurag-srivastava-as-mea-spokesperson-101616259919859.html|access-date=2021-05-24|website=Hindustan Times|language=en}}</ref>
| colspan="6" style="width:100%;" | [[Subrahmanyam Jaishankar]]
|-
! colspan="3" style="width:50%; background-color:#f2f2f2;" | [[Minister of State for External Affairs (India)|Minister of State]]
! colspan="3" style="width:50%; background-color:#f2f2f2;" | [[Minister of State for External Affairs (India)|Minister of State]]
|-
| colspan="3" style="width:50%;" | [[Kirti Vardhan Singh]]
| colspan="3" style="width:50%;" | [[Pabitra Margherita]]
|-
! colspan="6" style="width:100%; background-color:#f2f2f2;" | [[Foreign Secretary (India)|Foreign Secretary]]
|-
| colspan="6" style="width:100%;" | [[Vikram Misri]]
|-
! style="width:16.66%; background-color:#f2f2f2;" | [[Secretary to Government of India|Secretary]] (West)
! style="width:16.66%; background-color:#f2f2f2;" | [[Secretary to Government of India|Secretary]] (East)
! style="width:16.66%; background-color:#f2f2f2;" | [[Secretary to Government of India|Secretary]] (South)
! style="width:16.66%; background-color:#f2f2f2;" | [[Secretary to Government of India|Secretary]] (Economic Relations)
! style="width:16.66%; background-color:#f2f2f2;" | [[Secretary to Government of India|Secretary]] (Consular, Passport, Visa and Overseas Indian Affairs)
! style="width:16.66%; background-color:#f2f2f2;" | Special Secretary & Financial Adviser
|-
| [[Sibi George]] || ''Vacant'' (TBA) || [[Neena Malhotra]] || Sudhakar Dalela || Sripriya Ranganathan || Anurag Agarwal
|}
 
{| class="wikitable" style="width:50%; margin:auto; text-align:center; border:2px solid black;"
|-
! style="background-color:#f2f2f2;" | [[Official Spokesperson of the Ministry of External Affairs]]
|-
| [[Randhir Jaiswal]]
|}
 
===Divisions===
{| class="wikitable sortable plainrowheaders"
! Division !! Scope
|-
| A & RM (Acquisition & Resource Management) Division || Manages acquisition and resources of MEA.
|-
| Administration Division || Handles administrative matters, cadre management, official language, and procedures.
|-
| AMS (Americas) Division || Handles {{flagicon|United States}} [[United States]] and {{flagicon|Canada}} [[Canada]].
|-
| BM (Bangladesh–Myanmar) Division || Covers {{flagicon|Bangladesh}} [[Bangladesh]] and {{flagicon|Myanmar}} [[Myanmar]].
|-
| BIMSTEC and SAARC Division || Handles all matters relating to [[BIMSTEC]] (Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation) and the [[South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation|SAARC]].
|-
| Central and West Africa Division || Covers {{flagicon|Nigeria}} [[Nigeria]], {{flagicon|Ghana}} [[Ghana]], {{flagicon|Senegal}} [[Senegal]], {{flagicon|Ivory Coast}} [[Ivory Coast]], and other nations.
|-
| CCCS (Centre of Contemporary China Studies) Division || Coordinates research, analysis, and policy matters related to contemporary developments in [[China]] through the Centre for Contemporary China Studies.
|-
| Central America Division || Covers {{flagicon|Mexico}} [[Mexico]], {{flagicon|Belize}} [[Belize]], {{flagicon|Guatemala}} [[Guatemala]], {{flagicon|Honduras}} [[Honduras]], {{flagicon|El Salvador}} [[El Salvador]], {{flagicon|Nicaragua}} [[Nicaragua]], {{flagicon|Costa Rica}} [[Costa Rica]], {{flagicon|Panama}} [[Panama]], and Caribbean states.
|-
| CPV Division || Handles consular, [[passport]], and [[Travel visa|visa]] services.
|-
| CT (Counter Terrorism) Division || Deals with [[counter-terrorism]] and security cooperation.
|-
| Cyber Diplomacy Division || Manages cyber-policy and digital diplomacy.
|-
| D&ISA (Disarmament & International Security Affairs) Division || Focuses on [[arms control]], [[Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons|non‑proliferation]], and international security.
|-
| DPA‑I || Handles concessional [[Line of Credit|loans]] to partner countries.
|-
| DPA‑II || Capacity development and [[South–South cooperation|South‑South cooperation]].
|-
| DPA‑III || Manages grant-assistance projects.
|-
| DPA‑IV || Cultural-heritage and restoration projects abroad.
|-
| [[Indian diaspora|Diaspora]] Engagement Division || Programmes for Global Engagement with the diaspora, PBD, SPDC, KIP, PCTD, PTDY, databases, and student/women support abroad.
|-
| East Asia Division || Covers {{flagicon|China}} [[China]], {{flagicon|Japan}} [[Japan]], {{flagicon|South Korea}} [[South Korea]], {{flagicon|Mongolia}} [[Mongolia]], {{flagicon|North Korea}} [[North Korea]].
|-
| East and Southern Africa Division || Covers {{flagicon|Kenya}} [[Kenya]], {{flagicon|Ethiopia}} [[Ethiopia]], {{flagicon|South Africa}} [[South Africa]], {{flagicon|Tanzania}} [[Tanzania]], {{flagicon|Uganda}} [[Uganda]], {{flagicon|Zambia}} [[Zambia]], {{flagicon|Zimbabwe}} [[Zimbabwe]], {{flagicon|Malawi}} [[Malawi]], and others.
|-
| Economic Diplomacy Division || Handles [[trade]], [[foreign direct investment|investment]], and [[energy diplomacy]].
|-
| EP & W (Emigration Policy & Welfare) Division || [[International migration|Migration]], mobility, and welfare for Indian workers abroad.
|-
| Establishment Division || Manages establishment matters like property, accommodation, and equipment.
|-
| Eurasia Division || Handles all matters relating to {{flagicon|Belarus}} [[Belarus]], {{flagicon|Kazakhstan}} [[Kazakhstan]], {{flagicon|Kyrgyzstan}} [[Kyrgyzstan]], {{flagicon|Russia}} [[Russia]], {{flagicon|Tajikistan}} [[Tajikistan]], {{flagicon|Turkmenistan}} [[Turkmenistan]], {{flagicon|Ukraine}} [[Ukraine]], and {{flagicon|Uzbekistan}} [[Uzbekistan]].
|-
| Europe West Division || Covers {{flagicon|Andorra}} [[Andorra]], {{flagicon|Belgium}} [[Belgium]], {{flagicon|France}} [[France]], {{flagicon|Germany}} [[Germany]], {{flagicon|Ireland}} [[Ireland]], {{flagicon|Italy}} [[Italy]], {{flagicon|Luxembourg}} [[Luxembourg]], {{flagicon|Monaco}} [[Monaco]], {{flagicon|Netherlands}} [[Netherlands]], {{flagicon|Portugal}} [[Portugal]], {{flagicon|San Marino}} [[San Marino]], {{flagicon|Spain}} [[Spain]], {{flagicon|United Kingdom}} [[United Kingdom]], and {{flagicon|EU}} [[EU]].
|-
| Finance Division || Budget and expenditure of the Ministry.
|-
| GEM (Global Estate Management) Division || Manages estates and properties abroad.
|-
| G20 Division || Coordinates [[G20]] matters.
|-
| Gulf Division || Covers {{flagicon|Saudi Arabia}} [[Saudi Arabia]], {{flagicon|United Arab Emirates}} [[UAE]], {{flagicon|Qatar}} [[Qatar]], {{flagicon|Oman}} [[Oman]], {{flagicon|Bahrain}} [[Bahrain]], {{flagicon|Kuwait}} [[Kuwait]], {{flagicon|Yemen}} [[Yemen]].
|-
| Indian Ocean Region (IOR) Division || Covers {{flagicon|Maldives}} [[Maldives]], {{flagicon|Mauritius}} [[Mauritius]], {{flagicon|Sri Lanka}} [[Sri Lanka]], {{flagicon|Seychelles}} [[Seychelles]], {{flagicon|Madagascar}} [[Madagascar]], {{flagicon|Comoros}} [[Comoros]].
|-
| Indo-Pacific Division || Oversees strategic regional [[Indo-Pacific]] issues.
|-
| Liaison Officer for Other Backward Classes of the Ministry || Liaison and monitoring of OBC policies.
|-
| Liaison Officer for Scheduled Castes / Scheduled Tribes / Persons with Disabilities of the Ministry || Liaison and monitoring of SC/ST/PD policies.
|-
| MEA Library || Library and information management at [[Patiala House]].
|-
| MER (Multilateral Economic Relations) Division || Handles [[WTO]], [[IMF]], [[World Bank]], and multilateral economic issues.
|-
| NEST Division || Deals with new, emerging, and strategic technologies.
|-
| Northern Division || Covers {{flagicon|Nepal}} [[Nepal]] and {{flagicon|Bhutan}} [[Bhutan]].
|-
| Northern Europe Division || Covers {{flagicon|Sweden}} [[Sweden]], {{flagicon|Norway}} [[Norway]], {{flagicon|Finland}} [[Finland]], {{flagicon|Poland}} [[Poland]], {{flagicon|Hungary}} [[Hungary]], {{flagicon|Denmark}} [[Denmark]], {{flagicon|Estonia}} [[Estonia]], {{flagicon|Latvia}} [[Latvia]], {{flagicon|Lithuania}} [[Lithuania]].
|-
| OE & PGE (Overseas Employments & Protectorate General of Emigrants) || [[Indian diaspora|Oversees Indian]] employment abroad and protection.
|-
| Oceania Division || Covers {{flagicon|Australia}} [[Australia]], {{flagicon|New Zealand}} [[New Zealand]], {{flagicon|Fiji}} [[Fiji]], {{flagicon|Papua New Guinea}} [[Papua New Guinea]], {{flagicon|Solomon Islands}} [[Solomon Islands]], {{flagicon|Vanuatu}} [[Vanuatu]], and other Pacific nations.
|-
| PAI (Pakistan–Afghanistan–Iran) Division || Covers {{flagicon|Pakistan}} [[Pakistan]], {{flagicon|Afghanistan}} [[Afghanistan]], {{flagicon|Iran}} [[Iran]].
|-
| PP & R (Policy Planning & Research) Division || Mid-/long-term policy planning and research.
|-
| Protocol Division || Manages protocol, diplomatic privileges, and VVIP visits.
|-
| RTI (Right to Information) Cell || Implements [[Right to Information Act 2005]] in the Ministry.
|-
| SCO (Shanghai Cooperation Organisation) Division || Handles [[Shanghai Cooperation Organisation|SCO]] matters and India’s engagement.
|-
| Southern Division || Covers {{flagicon|Brunei}} [[Brunei]], {{flagicon|Cambodia}} [[Cambodia]], {{flagicon|Indonesia}} [[Indonesia]], {{flagicon|Laos}} [[Laos]], {{flagicon|Malaysia}} [[Malaysia]], {{flagicon|Philippines}} [[Philippines]], {{flagicon|Singapore}} [[Singapore]], {{flagicon|Thailand}} [[Thailand]], {{flagicon|Timor-Leste}} [[Timor Leste]], and {{flagicon|Vietnam}} [[Vietnam]].
|-
| Southern Europe Division || Covers {{flagicon|Italy}} [[Italy]], {{flagicon|Portugal}} [[Portugal]], {{flagicon|Greece}} [[Greece]], {{flagicon|Albania}} [[Albania]], {{flagicon|Bulgaria}} [[Bulgaria]], {{flagicon|Croatia}} [[Croatia]], {{flagicon|Bosnia and Herzegovina}} [[Bosnia and Herzegovina]], {{flagicon|Serbia}} [[Serbia]], {{flagicon|Montenegro}} [[Montenegro]], and other nearby nations.
|-
| South America Division || Covers {{flagicon|Brazil}} [[Brazil]], {{flagicon|Argentina}} [[Argentina]], {{flagicon|Chile}} [[Chile]], {{flagicon|Colombia}} [[Colombia]], {{flagicon|Peru}} [[Peru]], {{flagicon|Venezuela}} [[Venezuela]], {{flagicon|Ecuador}} [[Ecuador]], {{flagicon|Bolivia}} [[Bolivia]], {{flagicon|Uruguay}} [[Uruguay]], {{flagicon|Paraguay}} [[Paraguay]], and other countries.
|-
| UNES (United Nations Economic & Social) Division || Handles India’s [[ECOSOC|UN economic, social]], and [[United Nations Sustainable Development Group|sustainable development engagement]].
|-
| UNP (United Nations Political) Division || Handles [[UN]] political, security, [[UNSC|Security Council]], and [[United Nations peacekeeping|peacekeeping matters]].
|-
| WANA (West Asia & North Africa) Division || Covers {{flagicon|Israel}} [[Israel]], {{flagicon|Jordan}} [[Jordan]], {{flagicon|Lebanon}} [[Lebanon]], {{flagicon|Egypt}} [[Egypt]], {{flagicon|Morocco}} [[Morocco]], {{flagicon|Tunisia}} [[Tunisia]], {{flagicon|Algeria}} [[Algeria]], {{flagicon|Libya}} [[Libya]], and other WANA countries.
|-
| Welfare Division || Welfare policies and programs for Ministry employees.
|-
| XPD (External Publicity & Public Diplomacy) Division || Manages media, publicity, [[website]], new media, publications, and soft power initiatives.
|}
 
''Source: [https://www.mea.gov.in/divisions.htm Ministry of External Affairs (India)]''


==Development Partnership Administration==
==Development Partnership Administration==
Development Partnership Administration (DPA) is an agency under the Ministry of External Affairs formed in 2013 to increased its strategic footprint and for the effective execution of projects with professionals from diverse backgrounds. India has an elaborate project portfolio in its neighbourhood, including Bhutan, Nepal, Afghanistan, Maldives, Sri Lanka, and Bangladesh, as well as Africa and Latin America.
Development Partnership Administration (DPA) is an agency under the Ministry of External Affairs formed in 2013 to increase its strategic footprint and for the effective execution of projects with professionals from diverse backgrounds. India has an elaborate project portfolio in its neighbourhood, including Bhutan, Nepal, Afghanistan, Maldives, Sri Lanka, and Bangladesh, as well as Africa and Latin America. It is headed by Sujata Mehta, one of India's foremost diplomats and former Indian representative to the UN Conference on Disarmament, Geneva. Mehta is Special Secretary in the MEA.<ref name="DPA">{{cite news|title = Devyani likely to head MEA's overseas projects department|date = 20 January 2014|newspaper = The Indian Express|url = http://indianexpress.com/article/india/india-others/devyani-likely-to-head-meas-overseas-projects-department/}}</ref><ref name="organogram">{{cite web|title=Organogram of Ministry of External Affairs|url=http://www.mea.gov.in/Images/pdf/Final_MEA_Organogram_17_Jan_2014_2.pdf|publisher=Government of India|access-date=19 January 2014}}</ref> According to [[OECD]] estimates, 2019 [[official development assistance]] from India increased to US$1.6 billion.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.oecd-ilibrary.org/sites/18b00a44-en/index.html?itemId=/content/component/18b00a44-en#section-d1e57967|title=India &#124; Development Co-operation Profiles – India &#124; OECD iLibrary}}</ref>


It is headed by Sujata Mehta, one of India’s foremost diplomats and former Indian representative to UN Conference on Disarmament, Geneva. Mehta is Special Secretary in the MEA.<ref name="DPA">{{cite news|title = Devyani likely to head MEA's overseas projects department|date = 20 January 2014|newspaper = The Indian Express|url = http://indianexpress.com/article/india/india-others/devyani-likely-to-head-meas-overseas-projects-department/}}</ref><ref name=organogram>{{cite web|title=Organogram of Ministry of External Affairs|url=http://www.mea.gov.in/Images/pdf/Final_MEA_Organogram_17_Jan_2014_2.pdf|publisher=Government of India|access-date=19 Jan 2014}}</ref>
==Location==
 
The office of the Ministry is located in the South Block building which also contains the [[Prime Minister's Office (India)|Prime Minister's office]] and [[Ministry of Defence (India)|Ministry of Defence]]. Other offices are located in Jawaharlal Nehru Bhawan, Shastri Bhawan, Patiala House, and ISIL Building.<ref>[http://www.mea.gov.in/south-block.htm About MEA : South Block]. MEA (2014-03-19). Retrieved on 2014-05-21.</ref>
According to [[OECD]] estimates, 2019 [[official development assistance]] from India increased to US$ 1.6 billion.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.oecd-ilibrary.org/sites/18b00a44-en/index.html?itemId=/content/component/18b00a44-en#section-d1e57967|title=India &#124; Development Co-operation Profiles – India &#124; OECD iLibrary}}</ref>  


== Parliamentary Standing Committee  ==
Parliamentary Standing [[Committee on External Affairs]] is mandated with the task of the legislative oversight of the Ministry of External Affairs.<ref name="Committee on External Affairs">{{cite web |title=Committee on External Affairs : Loksabha |url=http://loksabhaph.nic.in/Committee/CommitteeInformation.aspx?comm_code=11&tab=2 |website=loksabhaph.nic.in |access-date=20 January 2022}}</ref>


==''India Perspectives''==
In March 2023, the committee in its ''Demand for Grants (2023–24)'' report, criticized the ministry for being  "most short-staffed" and under-budgeted. The committee highlighted that The total strength of 4,888 is distributed across different cadres of the Ministry such as the [[Indian Foreign Service]] (IFS), IFS General Cadre, IFS Group B, Stenographers Cadre, Interpreters Cadre, Legal and Treaties Cadre, among others. The cadre strength of Indian Foreign Service Officers is only 1,011, just 22.5 percent of the total strength. Out of IFS 'A' cadre, 667 are posted at the Missions abroad and 334 are manning the headquarters in Delhi, which currently has 57 divisions.<ref>{{cite news |title='Indian diplomatic service most short-staffed compared to many other countries': Parliamentary panel |url=https://www.newindianexpress.com/nation/2023/mar/21/indian-diplomatic-service-most-short-staffed-compared-to-many-other-countries-parliamentary-pane-2558234.html |access-date=8 April 2023 |work=The New Indian Express}}</ref> The committee also highlighted that the ministry “remains one amongst the least funded central ministries” as its actual annual spending has been around 0.4% of the total budgetary allocation of the government since 2020–21.<ref name="CoEA 2023">{{cite news |title=Parliamentary panel for ramping up manpower and funding for MEA |url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/parliamentary-panel-for-ramping-up-manpower-and-funding-for-mea-101679421330165.html |access-date=8 April 2023 |work=Hindustan Times |date=21 March 2023 |language=en}}</ref>
''India Perspectives''<ref>[http://www.indiaperspectives.gov.in/ ''India Perspectives'' homepage]</ref> is the flagship publication of the Ministry of External Affairs. A bi-monthly magazine, it is digitally published in English and Hindi, and 14 other international languages, with a readership spanning 170 countries. It is crafted to support the Ministry’s diplomatic initiatives and highlight India’s bilateral ties with the rest of the world.  


The magazine provides an insight into India’s culture and tradition along with elements of contemporary India. With intelligent, analytical and verified editorial content, the publication is one of the most authentic sources of information regarding India’s ‘soft diplomacy’ initiatives as well as its rich cultural, scientific and political heritage. By showcasing the country’s various facets through original stories on travel, art, music, cinema and more, the magazine takes India to the world.
== List of operations by the Ministry of External Affairs (India) ==


==MEA civil servant-authors==
This is a list of major operations carried out by the Ministry of External Affairs (India).
Prominent civil servants-turned-authors who started their careers with the [[Indian Foreign Service]] and Ministry of External Affairs include [[Vikas Swarup]], [[Navtej Sarna]] and [[Abhay K]].


==Location==
{| class="wikitable sortable"
The office of the Ministry is located in the South Block building which also contains the [[Prime Minister's Office (India)|Prime Minister's office]] and [[Ministry of Defence (India)|Ministry of Defence]]. Other offices are located in Jawaharlal Nehru Bhawan, Shastri Bhawan, Patiala House, and ISIL Building.<ref>[http://www.mea.gov.in/south-block.htm About MEA : South Block]. MEA (2014-03-19). Retrieved on 2014-05-21.</ref>
! Year !! Operation !! Region !! Description !! References
|-
| 1990 || [[1990 airlift of Indians from Kuwait]] || {{flag|Kuwait}} || Evacuation of over 170,000 Indians during the [[Iraqi invasion of Kuwait]] & [[Gulf War]], one of the largest civilian evacuations in history. || <ref>{{cite web |url=http://epaperbeta.timesofindia.com/Gallery.aspx?id=02_02_2016_013_058_002&type=P&artUrl=REAL-STORY-KUWAIT-AIRLIFT-1990-02022016013058&eid=31806 |title=Real Story: Kuwait Airlift, 1990 |work=The Times of India |access-date=2017-02-19 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170629023939/http://epaperbeta.timesofindia.com/Gallery.aspx?id=02_02_2016_013_058_002&type=P&artUrl=REAL-STORY-KUWAIT-AIRLIFT-1990-02022016013058&eid=31806 |archive-date=2017-06-29 |url-status=dead }}</ref>
|-
| 2015 || [[Operation Raahat]] || {{flag|Yemen}} || Evacuation of ~4,640 Indians and 960 foreign nationals during the [[Yemeni crisis|Yemen civil war]]. || <ref>{{Cite web |title=Operation Raahat: Evacuation from Yemen |url=https://mea.gov.in/press-releases.htm?dtl/25084 |website=Ministry of External Affairs |date=2015-04-12 |access-date=2025-06-20}}</ref><ref name=hindu-evac>{{cite news|title=India begins evacuating citizens|url=http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/india-begins-evacuating-citizens/article7054994.ece|newspaper=[[The Hindu]]|date=31 March 2015|access-date=31 March 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191206201430/https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/india-begins-evacuating-citizens/article7054994.ece|archive-date=6 December 2019|url-status=live}}</ref>
|-
| 2015 || [[Operation Maitri]] || {{flag|Nepal}} || [[April 2015 Nepal earthquake|Earthquake]] relief operation evacuating ~43,000 Indians, over 150 foreign tourist were evacuated and were provided transit visa to as many as 785 foreigners || <ref>{{Cite web |title=India extends massive relief assistance to Nepal |url=https://www.mea.gov.in/bilateral-documents.htm?dtl/25132/Media+Briefing+on+Indian+Rescue+and+Relief+Efforts+in+Nepal+April+26+2015|website=Ministry of External Affairs |date=2015-04-27 |access-date=2025-06-20}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/nepal-earthquake-rescue-operations-india-s-operation-maitri-death-toll/article1-1341152.aspx |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150426092423/http://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/nepal-earthquake-rescue-operations-india-s-operation-maitri-death-toll/article1-1341152.aspx |url-status=dead |archive-date=26 April 2015 |title=Nepal quake: India launches 'Operation Maitri', airlifts many |work=hindustantimes.com/ |access-date=27 April 2015}}</ref>
|-
| 2018 || [[Operation Samudra Maitri]] || {{flag|Indonesia}} || Disaster relief operation post-[[2018 Sulawesi earthquake and tsunami|Sulawesi earthquake and tsunami]]. || <ref name="mea1">[https://www.mea.gov.in/press-releases.htm?dtl/30461/Operation_Samudra_Maitri_Indias_Assistance_to_Earthquake_and_Tsunami_affected_areas_in_Indonesia Operation Samudra Maitri: India's Assistance to Earthquake and Tsunami affected areas in Indonesia] Ministry of External Affairs, India 3 October 2018</ref>
|-
| 2021 || [[Operation Devi Shakti]] || {{flag|Afghanistan}} || Evacuation of 800 Indian nationals and minorities after [[Fall of Kabul (2021)|Taliban takeover]]. || <ref>{{cite news|last=Goyal|first=Divya |date=21 August 2021 |url=https://indianexpress.com/article/india/taliban-stops-72-afghan-sikhs-and-hindus-from-boarding-iaf-plane-7464332/|title=Taliban stop 72 Afghan Sikhs and Hindus from boarding IAF plane|work=The Indian Express|access-date=21 August 2021}}</ref><ref name="toi29">{{cite web |last1=Saha |first1=Poulomi |title=Taliban want resumption of flights between India and Afghanistan, write to DGCA {{!}} Exclusive |url=https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/taliban-afghanistan-india-flights-kabul-1858584-2021-09-29 |website=India Today |access-date=29 September 2021 |language=en}}</ref>
|-
| 2022 || [[Operation Ganga]] || {{flag|Ukraine}} || Evacuation of ~25,000 Indian nationals & 147 citizens of 18 other countries were evacuated during [[Russian invasion of Ukraine|Russia–Ukraine war]]. || <ref>{{Cite news |date=2022-02-27 |agency=[[Press Trust of India]] |title=Operation Ganga: Air India's second flight carrying 250 Indian evacuees from Ukraine lands in Delhi |url=https://www.firstpost.com/world/operation-ganga-air-indias-second-flight-carrying-250-indian-evacuees-from-ukraine-lands-in-delhi-10412131.html |access-date=2022-02-27 |work=Firstpost}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2022-03-09 |title=Operation Ganga a massive success: India rescues Pakistanis, Nepalis & Bangladeshis |url=https://www.newsx.com/world/operation-ganga-a-massive-success-india-rescues-pakistanis-nepalis-bangladeshis.html |access-date=2022-03-09 |website=[[NewsX]]}}</ref>
|-
| 2023 || [[Operation Kaveri]] || {{flag|Sudan}} || Evacuation of ~3,897 Indians during [[Sudanese civil war (2023–present)|Sudan crisis]]. || <ref name="DH1">{{cite web |title=India launches Operation Kaveri to evacuate its nationals from Sudan |url=https://www.deccanherald.com/national/india-launches-operation-kaveri-to-evacuate-its-nationals-from-sudan-1212522.html |website=Deccan Herald |language=en |date=24 April 2023 |access-date=24 April 2023 |archive-date=24 April 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230424204714/https://www.deccanherald.com/national/india-launches-operation-kaveri-to-evacuate-its-nationals-from-sudan-1212522.html |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name="HN1">{{cite web |last1=Bhattacherjee |first1=Kallol |title=India launches Operation Kaveri to evacuate stranded citizens from war-hit Sudan |url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/india-launches-operation-kaveri-to-evacuate-stranded-citizens-from-war-hit-sudan/article66773499.ece |website=The Hindu |language=en-IN |date=24 April 2023 |access-date=24 April 2023 |archive-date=24 April 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230424204714/https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/india-launches-operation-kaveri-to-evacuate-stranded-citizens-from-war-hit-sudan/article66773499.ece |url-status=live }}</ref>
|-
| 2023 || [[Operation Ajay]] || {{flag|Israel}} || Evacuation of 1,400 Indian nationals during [[Gaza war|Israel–Hamas war]]. || <ref name="dh1">{{cite web |title=Operation Ajay {{!}} First flight to bring 230 Indians from war-hit Israel on Oct 13 |url=https://www.deccanherald.com/india/operation-ajay-first-flight-to-bring-230-indians-from-war-hit-israel-on-oct-13-2724279 |website=Deccan Herald |access-date=13 October 2023 |language=en |archive-date=22 October 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231022175141/https://www.deccanherald.com/india/operation-ajay-first-flight-to-bring-230-indians-from-war-hit-israel-on-oct-13-2724279 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |work=Livemint |date=2023-10-15 |title=Operation Ajay: More Indian nationals return from Israel amid conflict |url=https://www.livemint.com/news/operation-ajay-3rd-flight-carrying-197-indians-reaches-delhi-4th-flight-with-274-to-reach-soon-details-here-11697332440484.html |access-date=2023-10-22 |language=en |archive-date=21 October 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231021072414/https://www.livemint.com/news/operation-ajay-3rd-flight-carrying-197-indians-reaches-delhi-4th-flight-with-274-to-reach-soon-details-here-11697332440484.html |url-status=live }}</ref>
|-
| 2025 || [[Operation Brahma]] || {{flag|Myanmar}} || Relief mission after [[2025 Myanmar earthquake|Myanmar earthquake]]; 625 MT aid, NDRF, IAF deployed. || <ref>{{cite news |title=Operation Brahma: India airlifts aid, deploys rescuers, medics to quake-hit Myanmar |url=https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/myanmar-earthquake-death-thailand-bangkok-india-assistance-operation-brahma-pm-modi-s-jaishankr-ndrf-2701120-2025-03-29 |work=India Today |date=29 March 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":0">{{Cite web |title=India Launches "Operation Brahma" To Assist Quake-Hit Myanmar |url=https://www.ndtv.com/world-news/india-launches-operation-brahma-to-assist-quake-hit-myanmar-8041092 |access-date=2025-03-29 |publisher=NDTV |language=en}}</ref>
|-
| 2025 || [[Operation Sindhu]] || {{flag|Iran}} || Evacuation of 110 Indian students amid [[Iran–Israel War]]. || <ref>{{Cite web |date=18 June 2025 |title=India launches 'Operation Sindhu' as it evacuates Indian students stranded in Iran |url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/iranisrael-tensions-india-launches-operation-sindhu-as-it-evacuates-indian-students-stranded-in-iran-101750259481690.html |website=Hindustan Times}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=India Launches 'Operation Sindhu' To Rescue Stranded Citizens From War-Hit Iran |url=https://www.news18.com/india/india-launches-operation-sindhu-to-rescue-stranded-citizens-from-war-hit-iran-9392636.html |access-date=2025-06-18 |website=News18 |language=en}}</ref>
|-
| 2025 || [[2025 Southeast Asia floods and landslides#National and international aid|Operation Sagar Bandhu]] || {{flag|Sri Lanka}} || Operation Sagar Bandhu is India’s rapid HADR mission to aid cyclone- and flood-hit Sri Lanka after [[Cyclone Ditwah]]. || <ref>{{cite web |title=Operation Sagar Bandhu: Indian Army contingent lands in Sri Lanka for humanitarian assistance |url=https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/india/operation-sagar-bandhu-indian-army-contingent-lands-in-sri-lanka-for-humanitarian-assistance/articleshow/125732549.cms |website=The Economic Times |date=3 December 2025}}</ref>
|}


==See also==
==See also==
* [[Raisina Dialogue]]
* [[Raisina Dialogue]]
* [[Minister of External Affairs (India)]]
* [[Indian Council of World Affairs]]
* [[Indian Council of World Affairs]]
* [[Chanakyapuri]]
* [[Chanakyapuri]]
* [[List of diplomatic missions in India]]
* [[List of diplomatic missions in India]]
* [[List of diplomatic missions of India]]
* [[List of diplomatic missions of India]]
==Notes==
{{notelist}}


==References==
==References==
Line 99: Line 275:
==External links==
==External links==
* [http://www.mea.gov.in/ Official website of the Ministry of External Affairs]
* [http://www.mea.gov.in/ Official website of the Ministry of External Affairs]
*[https://twitter.com/MEAIndia Official Twitter handle of the Ministry]


{{Union ministries of India}}
{{Union ministries of India}}
{{Foreign relations of India}}
{{Foreign relations of India}}
{{Foreign affairs ministries of the World}}
{{Foreign affairs ministries of the World}}
{{Normdaten}}
{{Authority control}}
 
{{authority control}}


[[Category:Ministry of External Affairs (India)| ]]
[[Category:Ministry of External Affairs (India)| ]]
[[Category:Government ministries of India|E]]
[[Category:Government ministries of India|E]]
[[Category:Foreign affairs ministries|India]]
[[Category:Foreign affairs ministries|India]]
[[Category:Ministries established in 1948]]
[[Category:Government ministries established in 1948]]
[[Category:1948 establishments in India]]
[[Category:1948 establishments in India]]

Latest revision as of 09:47, 27 March 2026


For list of ministers, see Minister of External Affairs (India).

Ministry of External Affairs
Branch of Government of India
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Ministry of External Affairs of the Republic of India
Ministry overview
FormedSeptember 1946
JurisdictionGovernment of India
HeadquartersJawaharlal Nehru Bhawan
Janpath, New Delhi
Employees
  • IFS (A): 954[1]
  • IFS (B): 4,297
Annual budget₹22,118.97 crore (US$3.1 billion) (2026–27)[2]
Minister responsible
Deputy Ministers responsible
Ministry executives
Websitemea.gov.in

The Ministry of External Affairs (abbreviated as MEA; ISO: Vidēśa Mantrālaya) is a ministry of the Government of India tasked with India's foreign policy and relations. The Ministry is headed by the Minister of External Affairs, a member of the Prime Minister's Cabinet. The Minister is typically assisted by one or more junior ministers, known as Ministers of State (MoS) for External Affairs. The Foreign Secretary of the Republic of India is the senior-most non-elected official and the administrative head of the ministry.

The Ministry of External Affairs operates more than 200 diplomatic missions around the world through which it represents the Government of India on the international stage. In addition, the Ministry is responsible for India's representation at the United Nations and other international organizations. The Ministry is also responsible for the repatriation of Indian citizens in danger abroad and in the extradition of fugitives who have fled India. The Ministry of External Affairs may also advise other ministries and state governments in their interactions with foreign entities and brief them on pertinent international developments.

The Parliamentary Standing Committee on External Affairs, consisting of elected members from both the Lok Sabha and the Rajya Sabha, is tasked with this ministry's legislative oversight.

As of March 2025, the ministry has the current sanctioned strength of IFS (A) is 1,177 and General Cadre IFS (B) is 2,379, Stenographers' Cadre is 1,209, other cadre is 1,150 and local cadre is 3,119.[3]

History[edit | edit source]

The Ministry was initially the Ministry of External Affairs and Commonwealth Relations, a holdover from the British Raj. It was renamed the Ministry of External Affairs in 1948.[4] Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru held the portfolio as an additional charge till his death in 1964 and it was only then that a separate Minister with Cabinet rank was appointed. The ministry is responsible for the administration of Naga Hills, Tuensang Area, the Emigration Act of 1983, the Reciprocity Act of 1943, the Port Haj Committee Act of 1932, the Indian Merchant Shipping Act in so far as it relates to pilgrim ships, the Indian Pilgrim Shipping Rules of 1933, the Protection of Pilgrims Act of 1887 (Bombay) and the Protection of the Mohammedan Pilgrims Act of 1896 (Bengal).

The Ministry was integrated with Ministry of Overseas Indian Affairs on 7 January 2016.[5] The government said that the decision was taken in line with government's "overall objective of minimizing government and maximizing governance" and that it will help the government address duplication as well as unnecessary delays.[6]

The Ministry is the cadre-controlling authority of the Indian Foreign Service; the service is wholly under the administration and supervision of the External Affairs Ministry.

Organizational structure[edit | edit source]

The Ministry of External Affairs is headed by the Minister of External Affairs (or simply, the Foreign Minister; in Script error: The function "langx" does not exist.).The Foreign Secretary is the most senior civil servant who is the head of the Department of Foreign Affairs,[7] and is supported by other secretary level officers.

Minister of External Affairs
Subrahmanyam Jaishankar
Minister of State Minister of State
Kirti Vardhan Singh Pabitra Margherita
Foreign Secretary
Vikram Misri
Secretary (West) Secretary (East) Secretary (South) Secretary (Economic Relations) Secretary (Consular, Passport, Visa and Overseas Indian Affairs) Special Secretary & Financial Adviser
Sibi George Vacant (TBA) Neena Malhotra Sudhakar Dalela Sripriya Ranganathan Anurag Agarwal
Official Spokesperson of the Ministry of External Affairs
Randhir Jaiswal

Divisions[edit | edit source]

Division Scope
A & RM (Acquisition & Resource Management) Division Manages acquisition and resources of MEA.
Administration Division Handles administrative matters, cadre management, official language, and procedures.
AMS (Americas) Division Handles United States United States and Canada Canada.
BM (Bangladesh–Myanmar) Division Covers Error creating thumbnail: File missing Bangladesh and Error creating thumbnail: File missing Myanmar.
BIMSTEC and SAARC Division Handles all matters relating to BIMSTEC (Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation) and the SAARC.
Central and West Africa Division Covers Error creating thumbnail: File missing Nigeria, Error creating thumbnail: File missing Ghana, Error creating thumbnail: File missing Senegal, Error creating thumbnail: File missing Ivory Coast, and other nations.
CCCS (Centre of Contemporary China Studies) Division Coordinates research, analysis, and policy matters related to contemporary developments in China through the Centre for Contemporary China Studies.
Central America Division Covers Mexico Mexico, Error creating thumbnail: File missing Belize, Guatemala Guatemala, Honduras Honduras, El Salvador El Salvador, Error creating thumbnail: File missing Nicaragua, Costa Rica Costa Rica, Panama Panama, and Caribbean states.
CPV Division Handles consular, passport, and visa services.
CT (Counter Terrorism) Division Deals with counter-terrorism and security cooperation.
Cyber Diplomacy Division Manages cyber-policy and digital diplomacy.
D&ISA (Disarmament & International Security Affairs) Division Focuses on arms control, non‑proliferation, and international security.
DPA‑I Handles concessional loans to partner countries.
DPA‑II Capacity development and South‑South cooperation.
DPA‑III Manages grant-assistance projects.
DPA‑IV Cultural-heritage and restoration projects abroad.
Diaspora Engagement Division Programmes for Global Engagement with the diaspora, PBD, SPDC, KIP, PCTD, PTDY, databases, and student/women support abroad.
East Asia Division Covers Error creating thumbnail: File missing China, Error creating thumbnail: File missing Japan, Error creating thumbnail: File missing South Korea, Error creating thumbnail: File missing Mongolia, Error creating thumbnail: File missing North Korea.
East and Southern Africa Division Covers Kenya Kenya, Error creating thumbnail: File missing Ethiopia, South Africa South Africa, Tanzania Tanzania, Error creating thumbnail: File missing Uganda, Error creating thumbnail: File missing Zambia, Zimbabwe Zimbabwe, Error creating thumbnail: File missing Malawi, and others.
Economic Diplomacy Division Handles trade, investment, and energy diplomacy.
EP & W (Emigration Policy & Welfare) Division Migration, mobility, and welfare for Indian workers abroad.
Establishment Division Manages establishment matters like property, accommodation, and equipment.
Eurasia Division Handles all matters relating to Error creating thumbnail: File missing Belarus, Error creating thumbnail: File missing Kazakhstan, Error creating thumbnail: File missing Kyrgyzstan, Russia Russia, Tajikistan Tajikistan, Turkmenistan Turkmenistan, Error creating thumbnail: File missing Ukraine, and Error creating thumbnail: File missing Uzbekistan.
Europe West Division Covers Andorra Andorra, Error creating thumbnail: File missing Belgium, Error creating thumbnail: File missing France, Error creating thumbnail: File missing Germany, Error creating thumbnail: File missing Ireland, Error creating thumbnail: File missing Italy, Error creating thumbnail: File missing Luxembourg, Monaco Monaco, Error creating thumbnail: File missing Netherlands, Error creating thumbnail: File missing Portugal, Error creating thumbnail: File missing San Marino, Error creating thumbnail: File missing Spain, Error creating thumbnail: File missing United Kingdom, and Error creating thumbnail: File missing EU.
Finance Division Budget and expenditure of the Ministry.
GEM (Global Estate Management) Division Manages estates and properties abroad.
G20 Division Coordinates G20 matters.
Gulf Division Covers Error creating thumbnail: File missing Saudi Arabia, Error creating thumbnail: File missing UAE, Qatar Qatar, Oman Oman, Error creating thumbnail: File missing Bahrain, Kuwait Kuwait, Yemen Yemen.
Indian Ocean Region (IOR) Division Covers Maldives Maldives, Error creating thumbnail: File missing Mauritius, Error creating thumbnail: File missing Sri Lanka, Seychelles Seychelles, Madagascar Madagascar, Comoros Comoros.
Indo-Pacific Division Oversees strategic regional Indo-Pacific issues.
Liaison Officer for Other Backward Classes of the Ministry Liaison and monitoring of OBC policies.
Liaison Officer for Scheduled Castes / Scheduled Tribes / Persons with Disabilities of the Ministry Liaison and monitoring of SC/ST/PD policies.
MEA Library Library and information management at Patiala House.
MER (Multilateral Economic Relations) Division Handles WTO, IMF, World Bank, and multilateral economic issues.
NEST Division Deals with new, emerging, and strategic technologies.
Northern Division Covers Error creating thumbnail: File missing Nepal and Bhutan Bhutan.
Northern Europe Division Covers Error creating thumbnail: File missing Sweden, Error creating thumbnail: File missing Norway, Error creating thumbnail: File missing Finland, Error creating thumbnail: File missing Poland, Hungary Hungary, Error creating thumbnail: File missing Denmark, Error creating thumbnail: File missing Estonia, Latvia Latvia, Lithuania Lithuania.
OE & PGE (Overseas Employments & Protectorate General of Emigrants) Oversees Indian employment abroad and protection.
Oceania Division Covers Error creating thumbnail: File missing Australia, Error creating thumbnail: File missing New Zealand, Fiji Fiji, Error creating thumbnail: File missing Papua New Guinea, Error creating thumbnail: File missing Solomon Islands, Vanuatu Vanuatu, and other Pacific nations.
PAI (Pakistan–Afghanistan–Iran) Division Covers Pakistan Pakistan, Afghanistan Afghanistan, Error creating thumbnail: File missing Iran.
PP & R (Policy Planning & Research) Division Mid-/long-term policy planning and research.
Protocol Division Manages protocol, diplomatic privileges, and VVIP visits.
RTI (Right to Information) Cell Implements Right to Information Act 2005 in the Ministry.
SCO (Shanghai Cooperation Organisation) Division Handles SCO matters and India’s engagement.
Southern Division Covers Error creating thumbnail: File missing Brunei, Error creating thumbnail: File missing Cambodia, Error creating thumbnail: File missing Indonesia, Error creating thumbnail: File missing Laos, Error creating thumbnail: File missing Malaysia, Error creating thumbnail: File missing Philippines, Singapore Singapore, Error creating thumbnail: File missing Thailand, East Timor Timor Leste, and Vietnam Vietnam.
Southern Europe Division Covers Error creating thumbnail: File missing Italy, Error creating thumbnail: File missing Portugal, Greece Greece, Albania Albania, Error creating thumbnail: File missing Bulgaria, Error creating thumbnail: File missing Croatia, Bosnia and Herzegovina Bosnia and Herzegovina, Error creating thumbnail: File missing Serbia, Error creating thumbnail: File missing Montenegro, and other nearby nations.
South America Division Covers Error creating thumbnail: File missing Brazil, Argentina Argentina, Error creating thumbnail: File missing Chile, Error creating thumbnail: File missing Colombia, Error creating thumbnail: File missing Peru, Error creating thumbnail: File missing Venezuela, Error creating thumbnail: File missing Ecuador, Bolivia Bolivia, Uruguay Uruguay, Error creating thumbnail: File missing Paraguay, and other countries.
UNES (United Nations Economic & Social) Division Handles India’s UN economic, social, and sustainable development engagement.
UNP (United Nations Political) Division Handles UN political, security, Security Council, and peacekeeping matters.
WANA (West Asia & North Africa) Division Covers Error creating thumbnail: File missing Israel, Error creating thumbnail: File missing Jordan, Lebanon Lebanon, Error creating thumbnail: File missing Egypt, Error creating thumbnail: File missing Morocco, Tunisia Tunisia, Algeria Algeria, Error creating thumbnail: File missing Libya, and other WANA countries.
Welfare Division Welfare policies and programs for Ministry employees.
XPD (External Publicity & Public Diplomacy) Division Manages media, publicity, website, new media, publications, and soft power initiatives.

Source: Ministry of External Affairs (India)

Development Partnership Administration[edit | edit source]

Development Partnership Administration (DPA) is an agency under the Ministry of External Affairs formed in 2013 to increase its strategic footprint and for the effective execution of projects with professionals from diverse backgrounds. India has an elaborate project portfolio in its neighbourhood, including Bhutan, Nepal, Afghanistan, Maldives, Sri Lanka, and Bangladesh, as well as Africa and Latin America. It is headed by Sujata Mehta, one of India's foremost diplomats and former Indian representative to the UN Conference on Disarmament, Geneva. Mehta is Special Secretary in the MEA.[8][9] According to OECD estimates, 2019 official development assistance from India increased to US$1.6 billion.[10]

Location[edit | edit source]

The office of the Ministry is located in the South Block building which also contains the Prime Minister's office and Ministry of Defence. Other offices are located in Jawaharlal Nehru Bhawan, Shastri Bhawan, Patiala House, and ISIL Building.[11]

Parliamentary Standing Committee[edit | edit source]

Parliamentary Standing Committee on External Affairs is mandated with the task of the legislative oversight of the Ministry of External Affairs.[12]

In March 2023, the committee in its Demand for Grants (2023–24) report, criticized the ministry for being "most short-staffed" and under-budgeted. The committee highlighted that The total strength of 4,888 is distributed across different cadres of the Ministry such as the Indian Foreign Service (IFS), IFS General Cadre, IFS Group B, Stenographers Cadre, Interpreters Cadre, Legal and Treaties Cadre, among others. The cadre strength of Indian Foreign Service Officers is only 1,011, just 22.5 percent of the total strength. Out of IFS 'A' cadre, 667 are posted at the Missions abroad and 334 are manning the headquarters in Delhi, which currently has 57 divisions.[13] The committee also highlighted that the ministry “remains one amongst the least funded central ministries” as its actual annual spending has been around 0.4% of the total budgetary allocation of the government since 2020–21.[14]

List of operations by the Ministry of External Affairs (India)[edit | edit source]

This is a list of major operations carried out by the Ministry of External Affairs (India).

Year Operation Region Description References
1990 1990 airlift of Indians from Kuwait  Kuwait Evacuation of over 170,000 Indians during the Iraqi invasion of Kuwait & Gulf War, one of the largest civilian evacuations in history. [15]
2015 Operation Raahat  Yemen Evacuation of ~4,640 Indians and 960 foreign nationals during the Yemen civil war. [16][17]
2015 Operation Maitri Error creating thumbnail: File missing   Nepal Earthquake relief operation evacuating ~43,000 Indians, over 150 foreign tourist were evacuated and were provided transit visa to as many as 785 foreigners [18][19]
2018 Operation Samudra Maitri Error creating thumbnail: File missing Indonesia Disaster relief operation post-Sulawesi earthquake and tsunami. [20]
2021 Operation Devi Shakti File:Flag of Afghanistan.svg Afghanistan Evacuation of 800 Indian nationals and minorities after Taliban takeover. [21][22]
2022 Operation Ganga Error creating thumbnail: File missing Ukraine Evacuation of ~25,000 Indian nationals & 147 citizens of 18 other countries were evacuated during Russia–Ukraine war. [23][24]
2023 Operation Kaveri Error creating thumbnail: File missing Sudan Evacuation of ~3,897 Indians during Sudan crisis. [25][26]
2023 Operation Ajay Error creating thumbnail: File missing Israel Evacuation of 1,400 Indian nationals during Israel–Hamas war. [27][28]
2025 Operation Brahma Error creating thumbnail: File missing Myanmar Relief mission after Myanmar earthquake; 625 MT aid, NDRF, IAF deployed. [29][30]
2025 Operation Sindhu Error creating thumbnail: File missing Iran Evacuation of 110 Indian students amid Iran–Israel War. [31][32]
2025 Operation Sagar Bandhu Error creating thumbnail: File missing Sri Lanka Operation Sagar Bandhu is India’s rapid HADR mission to aid cyclone- and flood-hit Sri Lanka after Cyclone Ditwah. [33]

See also[edit | edit source]

Notes[edit | edit source]

References[edit | edit source]

  1. ↑ Service, Express News (12 December 2025). "IFS cadre strength at 954; 200 SC/ST and 263 women diplomats". The New Indian Express. Retrieved 30 December 2025.
  2. ↑ "Budget Provisions, net of receipts and recoveries, for the year 2026-2027" (PDF). www.indiabudget.gov.in. Retrieved 1 February 2026.
  3. ↑ "QUESTION NO-3097 SERVICE CONDITIONS OF IFS OFFICERS ON DOMESTIC POSTINGS". mea.gov.in. MEA. 27 March 2025. Retrieved 30 December 2025.
  4. ↑ "REPORT OF THE Ministry of External Affairs 1949-50" (PDF). Government of India. Retrieved 10 October 2012.
  5. ↑ Sushma Swaraj [@SushmaSwaraj] (7 January 2016). "Hon'ble Prime Minister has kindly accepted my proposal. So MOIA will now be part of Ministry of External Affairs" (Tweet) – via Twitter.
  6. ↑ "Government to merge overseas Indian affairs ministry with MEA - Times of India". The Times of India. Retrieved 25 January 2018.
  7. ↑ "Organogram of the Ministry of External Affairs" (PDF). Ministry of External Affairs. Archived from the original (PDF) on 14 February 2012. Retrieved 27 November 2023.
  8. ↑ "Devyani likely to head MEA's overseas projects department". The Indian Express. 20 January 2014.
  9. ↑ "Organogram of Ministry of External Affairs" (PDF). Government of India. Retrieved 19 January 2014.
  10. ↑ "India | Development Co-operation Profiles – India | OECD iLibrary".
  11. ↑ About MEA : South Block. MEA (2014-03-19). Retrieved on 2014-05-21.
  12. ↑ "Committee on External Affairs : Loksabha". loksabhaph.nic.in. Retrieved 20 January 2022.
  13. ↑ "'Indian diplomatic service most short-staffed compared to many other countries': Parliamentary panel". The New Indian Express. Retrieved 8 April 2023.
  14. ↑ "Parliamentary panel for ramping up manpower and funding for MEA". Hindustan Times. 21 March 2023. Retrieved 8 April 2023.
  15. ↑ "Real Story: Kuwait Airlift, 1990". The Times of India. Archived from the original on 29 June 2017. Retrieved 19 February 2017.
  16. ↑ "Operation Raahat: Evacuation from Yemen". Ministry of External Affairs. 12 April 2015. Retrieved 20 June 2025.
  17. ↑ "India begins evacuating citizens". The Hindu. 31 March 2015. Archived from the original on 6 December 2019. Retrieved 31 March 2015.
  18. ↑ "India extends massive relief assistance to Nepal". Ministry of External Affairs. 27 April 2015. Retrieved 20 June 2025.
  19. ↑ "Nepal quake: India launches 'Operation Maitri', airlifts many". hindustantimes.com/. Archived from the original on 26 April 2015. Retrieved 27 April 2015.
  20. ↑ Operation Samudra Maitri: India's Assistance to Earthquake and Tsunami affected areas in Indonesia Ministry of External Affairs, India 3 October 2018
  21. ↑ Goyal, Divya (21 August 2021). "Taliban stop 72 Afghan Sikhs and Hindus from boarding IAF plane". The Indian Express. Retrieved 21 August 2021.
  22. ↑ Saha, Poulomi. "Taliban want resumption of flights between India and Afghanistan, write to DGCA | Exclusive". India Today. Retrieved 29 September 2021.
  23. ↑ "Operation Ganga: Air India's second flight carrying 250 Indian evacuees from Ukraine lands in Delhi". Firstpost. Press Trust of India. 27 February 2022. Retrieved 27 February 2022.
  24. ↑ "Operation Ganga a massive success: India rescues Pakistanis, Nepalis & Bangladeshis". NewsX. 9 March 2022. Retrieved 9 March 2022.
  25. ↑ "India launches Operation Kaveri to evacuate its nationals from Sudan". Deccan Herald. 24 April 2023. Archived from the original on 24 April 2023. Retrieved 24 April 2023.
  26. ↑ Bhattacherjee, Kallol (24 April 2023). "India launches Operation Kaveri to evacuate stranded citizens from war-hit Sudan". The Hindu. Archived from the original on 24 April 2023. Retrieved 24 April 2023.
  27. ↑ "Operation Ajay | First flight to bring 230 Indians from war-hit Israel on Oct 13". Deccan Herald. Archived from the original on 22 October 2023. Retrieved 13 October 2023.
  28. ↑ "Operation Ajay: More Indian nationals return from Israel amid conflict". Livemint. 15 October 2023. Archived from the original on 21 October 2023. Retrieved 22 October 2023.
  29. ↑ "Operation Brahma: India airlifts aid, deploys rescuers, medics to quake-hit Myanmar". India Today. 29 March 2025.
  30. ↑ "India Launches "Operation Brahma" To Assist Quake-Hit Myanmar". NDTV. Retrieved 29 March 2025.
  31. ↑ "India launches 'Operation Sindhu' as it evacuates Indian students stranded in Iran". Hindustan Times. 18 June 2025.
  32. ↑ "India Launches 'Operation Sindhu' To Rescue Stranded Citizens From War-Hit Iran". News18. Retrieved 18 June 2025.
  33. ↑ "Operation Sagar Bandhu: Indian Army contingent lands in Sri Lanka for humanitarian assistance". The Economic Times. 3 December 2025.

External links[edit | edit source]

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