Ministry of External Affairs (MEA)
India's Foreign Policy Machinery
The MEA is the central government ministry responsible for India's external relations, diplomatic representation, and foreign policy formulation and implementation.
- Headed by the External Affairs Minister (Cabinet rank), with two Ministers of State
- Administrative head: Foreign Secretary (IFS cadre)
- Key divisions: Americas, East Asia, West Asia and North Africa (WANA), Pakistan-Afghanistan-Iran (PAI), United Nations and International Organizations
- Indian Foreign Service (IFS): The dedicated cadre that staffs Indian embassies, high commissions, and consulates worldwide
- India maintains 190+ missions abroad (embassies, high commissions, consulates, permanent missions)
- Policy advisory: The Policy Planning and Research Division provides strategic analysis
- The MEA manages Indian citizens' welfare abroad through the Consular, Passport and Visa division
- The MEA's social media presence has grown, and it actively uses platforms to counter disinformation
● Tracked since March 05, 2026 · last seen April 20, 2026 · updates as the daily brief publishes
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