Ministry of External Affairs

The Ministry of External Affairs is the Indian government department responsible for formulating and executing the country’s foreign policy, managing diplomatic relations with other states, and representing India in international organisations. It oversees a global network of embassies, high commissions, consulates and permanent missions that handle political, economic, cultural and consular affairs on behalf of the Indian state. The ministry also issues passports, provides assistance to Indian nationals abroad, negotiates treaties and agreements, and coordinates India’s participation in multilateral forums such as the United Nations, the World Trade Organization and various regional groupings. Its work includes monitoring global developments, advising the Prime Minister and the Cabinet on external matters, and promoting India’s strategic interests abroad.

The ministry’s operational footprint extends to numerous countries where it maintains diplomatic posts that serve as points of contact for foreign governments, international agencies and the Indian diaspora. These missions facilitate trade promotion, investment facilitation, cultural exchange and consular services such as visa issuance, emergency assistance and welfare programmes for overseas Indians. In addition to its diplomatic channels, the ministry manages specialised divisions dealing with areas like policy planning, legal and treaty matters, public diplomacy and overseas Indian affairs, enabling it to address a broad spectrum of external engagements. The department’s activities are guided by constitutional provisions and executive directives that define its mandate to safeguard national sovereignty and foster peaceful international cooperation.

Structurally, the Ministry of External Affairs is a constituent part of the Government of India’s executive branch, headed by a Cabinet Minister who is assisted by a Minister of State and a cadre of civil servants drawn from the Indian Foreign Service. It operates under the overall authority of the Prime Minister and is accountable to Parliament through regular reporting and questioning. The organisation’s internal structure includes various secretariats, divisions and attached offices that support its functional responsibilities, while its headquarters is located in New Delhi. The incident in June 2016, when Pakistani hackers defaced several of its websites, illustrates the ministry’s exposure to cyber threats and the need for robust digital security measures to protect its information assets.