"Indian diplomacy works 24/7 for nation": EAM Jaishankar shares foreign policy transformations in last 12 years
New Delhi, June 9
External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Tuesday shared key transformations in India's foreign policy and the Ministry of External Affairs, 12 years since Prime Minister Narendra Modi took oath.
He highlighted how strides had been made in the last twelve years through facilities such as fullest support to Indians abroad through Embassies, expanded use of the Indian Community Welfare Fund, creation of digital platforms for grievance redressal and feedback.
Jaishankar noted how there now stand 44 Embassies and Consulates to address the needs of Indians living and going abroad.
"Indian diplomacy works 24/7 for the nation. Indians travel abroad today with greater confidence and a stronger sense of pride", he said on X.
Jaishankar recalled how India effectively responded to crisis situations, including through evacuations and listed Ukraine, Israel, Afghanistan and Sudan as some examples.
He underlined how Indians are now accessing the global workplace and becoming part of the global workforce, with 21 mobility partnerships to date.
In a post on X, he further highlighted how the process of passport issuance and attestation of documents has become a seamless experience for the common citizen. He shared how Indian businesses are now getting market access abroad and enhancing exports, and how there is now enabled entry of Indian products and services into new markets through development projects.
He underlined how there is instituted welfare measures for Indian students abroad and the promotion of Indian culture and enhanced appreciation of our heritage and traditions in other nations.
Earlier in a post on X, Prime Minister Narendra Modi highlighted how the past 12 years of the government have been dedicated to trust, development, and public welfare. The Prime Minister noted that with the blessings of 140 crore countrymen and the spirit of Nation First, no stone has been left unturned in empowering the youth, women, and farmer brothers and sisters.
PM Modi observed that it is the result of relentless efforts that today the country has gained a new identity across the world, from infrastructure to the digital revolution. To realise the resolution of a Viksit Bharat, the Prime Minister affirmed that the government will continue to move forward on this path of service, good governance, and prosperity.
— ANI
Reader Comments
The 44 new embassies and consulates are a game-changer for the Indian diaspora in Africa and Latin America. My uncle runs a small textile export business in Coimbatore and now gets easier trade support from our missions in Nairobi and Dubai. But we also need to ensure these offices don't just focus on large businesses—our small exporters need help too. 🇮🇳
As an American working with Indian IT firms in Bangalore, I've seen the impact of India's mobility partnerships firsthand. It's easier now for Indian engineers to get work permits in Canada and Germany. But I wish the narrative about "24/7 diplomacy" focused more on results rather than just X posts—many here still feel visa processing efficiency varies wildly by country.
Jaishankar ji is right—Indians now travel abroad with more confidence. Earlier, we were just seen as cheap labor; now students going to Australia or professionals in the US are treated with respect. The promotion of Indian culture abroad—like yoga and Ayurveda—has changed perceptions. But let’s not ignore that our diplomats need to work harder on trade deals to match China’s reach in Southeast Asia and Africa.
The digital grievance platform for Indians abroad is a welcome step—my sister in Singapore used it to get her passport renewed in 10 days last year. But I hope this isn't just about optics for the 2024 elections. Real diplomacy is about bringing back stranded sailors or getting fair treatment for Indian laborers in Gulf countries, not just posting achievements on social media. Arre yaar, show me actual data on how many cases were resolved!
We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.