Ministry of External Affairs of the Republic of India
Background
The Ministry of External Affairs of the Republic of India is the central government body responsible for conducting India’s foreign relations. It manages diplomatic relations with other states, represents the country in international organizations, and coordinates the formulation and implementation of foreign policy. The ministry also handles consular services for Indian citizens abroad, visa and passport-related matters through the broader diplomatic system, and engagement on bilateral and multilateral issues. Its work is significant because it is the main institution through which India communicates its positions on security, trade, development, and major international crises.
The ministry is headed by the Minister of External Affairs, a cabinet-level member of the Government of India, with Subrahmanyam Jaishankar identified in the current profile summary as holding that office. The minister is supported by the ministry’s diplomatic and administrative apparatus, including the Indian Foreign Service and related divisions that cover regional, political, economic, consular, protocol, and multilateral work. Through its headquarters in New Delhi and India’s network of embassies, high commissions, and permanent missions abroad, the ministry serves as the primary channel for India’s representation to foreign governments and international bodies. It occupies a central place in the Indian state apparatus because foreign policy, external negotiations, and overseas consular affairs are concentrated within its remit.
Historically, the ministry has been a key institution in shaping India’s post-independence diplomacy and in maintaining the country’s relations across South Asia, major powers, and international forums. Its contemporary role includes managing partnerships in groupings such as BRICS and the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation, as well as responding to crises that affect regional and global stability. In a recent official statement, the foreign ministers of Russia and India discussed the situation in Iran and supported efforts through the SCO and BRICS toward de-escalation and a sustainable settlement, illustrating the ministry’s ongoing involvement in multilateral diplomacy. This reflects its current priorities of balancing bilateral ties, participating in international institutions, and advancing India’s interests in complex geopolitical environments.
Timeline
The Ministry of External Affairs of the Republic of India discussed the situation in Iran in a telephone conversation with Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov.
On the Telephone Conversation Between Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation Sergey Lavrov and Minister of External Affairs of the Republic of India S. JaishankarThe Ministry of External Affairs of the Republic of India backed efforts by the SCO and BRICS to achieve de-escalation in the Iran situation.
On the Telephone Conversation Between Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation Sergey Lavrov and Minister of External Affairs of the Republic of India S. JaishankarThe Ministry of External Affairs of the Republic of India supported efforts toward a sustainable settlement of the Iran crisis.
On the Telephone Conversation Between Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation Sergey Lavrov and Minister of External Affairs of the Republic of India S. Jaishankar
Documents
On the Telephone Conversation Between Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation Sergey Lavrov and Minister of External Affairs of the Republic of India S. Jaishankar
Lavrov and Indian FM Jaishankar discussed the Iran situation in a phone call, backing SCO and BRICS efforts toward de-escalation and a sustainable settlement.