Parliament Question: New Diplomatic Missions and Consulates

GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS 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;

1(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 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 2countries. 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. ***** 3