Union Cabinet okays opening of 18 new Indian missions in Africa
The Ministry of External Affairs earlier had complained that lack of funds was hitting its plans to open new missions to match India's growing global stature and presence
Following reports that Ministry of Finance was blocking funds for opening new Indian missions abroad, thus blocking the way to expand the country's global footprints, Union Cabinet here on Wednesday sanctioned opening of 18 new Indian missions in Africa over next four years.
The Ministry of External Affairs earlier had complained that lack of funds was hitting its plans to open new missions to match India's growing global stature and presence.
"The decision will enhance India's diplomatic outreach in the African continent and allow India to engage with Indian diaspora in African countries. Opening of new Missions is also a step towards implementing the vision of enhanced co-operation and engagement with Africa," the cabinet note said.
The 18 new missions will be opened in Burkina Faso, Cameroon, Cape Verde, Chad, Republic of the Congo, Djibouti, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Guinea, Guinea Bissau, Liberia, Mauritania, Rwanda, Sao Tome& Principe, Sierra Leone, Somalia, Swaziland and Togo thereby increasing the number of Resident Indian Missions in Africa from 29 to 47.