MEA Needs More Hands on the Diplomatic Deck

India, the world's most populous nation and the largest democracy, is emerging as a pivotal force in global affairs.

- SANTHOSH MATHEW

India, the world's most populous nation and the largest democracy, is emerging as a pivotal force in global affairs. As a leader of the Global South, India's growing economic might, strategic autonomy, and commitment to peace have earned it a central role in international diplomacy.

Yet, despite these achievements, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), which plays a critical role in shaping and executing its foreign policy, remains under-resourced. With only about 850 diplomats, the MEA is woefully inadequate to handle the complex and diverse challenges that India faces on the global stage. For India to fulfill its potential as a global leader, it is essential to strengthen its diplomatic infrastructure by expanding the MEA to at least 5,000 personnel, matching the scale of India's ambitions and its position as a major international power.

The scale of India's ambition on the world stage demands a corresponding strengthening of its foreign policy machinery. As the world's largest democracy and second-largest economy, India's diplomatic requirements have evolved significantly. From engaging in trade negotiations to navigating the intricacies of global security, the MEA is at the heart of India's international engagements. India's foreign policy has always been defined by strategic autonomy and a commitment to peace, underpinned by the Nehruvian tradition of non-alignment.

Figures like Jawaharlal Nehru and V.K. Krishna Menon were instrumental in crafting India's independent foreign policy, promoting the values of non-violence and peace while simultaneously asserting India's interests. Their vision of a non-aligned India that could act as a bridge between competing superpowers remains foundational to Indian diplomacy. But as the global landscape shifts, it is time to ensure that India's foreign policy is both deeply rooted in its historical values and equipped to handle modern complexities.