Question : OPENING MORE EMBASSIES



(a) whether the Government proposes to open more Indian consulates/embassies abroad in order to expand economic ties as well as for coordination;

(b) if so, the details thereof, country-wise;

(c) the number of Indian consulates/embassies closed down by the Government during the last ten years in various foreign countries, country-wise;

(d) whether there is any proposal to re-open any of these embassies; and

(e) if so, the details thereof along with the steps taken by the Government in this regard?

Answer given by the minister


THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS [GEN. (DR) V. K. SINGH (RETD)]

(a) & (b) Government of India is committed to expanding economic ties with other countries including through opening consulates/ embassies, based on its assessment of logistical and other relevant factors.

(c) Indian Consulate in Songkhla in the Kingdom of Thailand was closed down.

(d) & (e) There is no proposal for re-opening of the Indian Consulate in Songkhla in the Kingdom of Thailand.