🏛️ Description
The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) is the diplomatic arm of the Government of India, responsible for managing the country’s external relations, international diplomacy, and global partnerships. It formulates and executes India’s foreign policy, represents India in international organizations, and safeguards the interests of Indian citizens and businesses abroad.
The Ministry works to strengthen India’s role as a responsible global power, enhance cooperation with foreign nations, and project India’s cultural and strategic influence across the world. It coordinates with foreign missions, consulates, and embassies and supports overseas Indians through welfare programs and outreach initiatives.
The MEA also plays a critical role in international negotiations, economic diplomacy, cultural exchange, humanitarian assistance, and regional integration efforts such as SAARC, BIMSTEC, and ASEAN partnerships.
🎯 Mandate
- Formulation, execution, and review of India’s foreign policy and international strategy.
- Representation of India in bilateral, regional, and multilateral organizations including the United Nations and WTO.
- Management of diplomatic missions, embassies, and consulates worldwide.
- Protection of Indian citizens, students, and businesses abroad through consular services.
- Promotion of international cooperation in trade, science, technology, education, and culture.
- Administration of foreign aid, humanitarian assistance, and development partnerships.
- Strengthening people-to-people ties through cultural diplomacy, public diplomacy, and the Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR).
- Engagement with the Indian diaspora through the Overseas Indian Affairs Division.
🌐 Official Website
🏢 Offices & Contacts
Headquarters:
Ministry of External Affairs (MEA)
South Block, Raisina Hill,
New Delhi – 110011, India
Telephone: +91-11-23011127 / 23011156
Fax: +91-11-23013254
Email: jsad@mea.gov.in
Website: https://mea.gov.in
🏗️ Key Departments & Organisations
- Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR): https://iccr.gov.in
- Indian Council of World Affairs (ICWA): https://icwa.in
- Research and Information System for Developing Countries (RIS): https://ris.org.in
- Foreign Service Institute (FSI) / Sushma Swaraj Institute of Foreign Service (SSIFS): https://ssifs.mea.gov.in
- Development Partnership Administration (DPA): Development Partnership Wing
- Overseas Indian Affairs Division: https://mea.gov.in/overseas-indian-affairs.htm
- Public Diplomacy Division: https://mea.gov.in/public-diplomacy.htm
- Passport Seva Programme: https://passportindia.gov.in