The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) is a central institution and a ministry of the Government of India, responsible for formulating and implementing the nation's foreign policy and managing its diplomatic relations. Its origins trace back to the pre-independence era, having been formed in September 1946 as the Ministry of External Affairs and Commonwealth Relations. It was formally renamed the Ministry of External Affairs in 1948, solving the problem of establishing an independent mechanism for India's global representation and diplomatic affairs. The MEA works by conducting diplomatic relations with foreign countries and international organizations, representing India at the United Nations, and managing over 200 diplomatic missions worldwide. The Foreign Secretary serves as the senior-most non-elected official and administrative head of the ministry. Key functions include providing consular, passport, and visa services, and protecting the interests of Indian citizens abroad. The MEA connects directly to the Indian Foreign Service (IFS), whose officers staff its missions and headquarters. Its policy framework includes major initiatives like the Neighborhood First Policy and the Act East Policy. A significant recent change occurred on January 7, 2016, when the Ministry of Overseas Indian Affairs was integrated into the MEA, centralizing all matters related to the Indian diaspora, including the administration of the Emigration Act, 1983.
UPSC Dictionary
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India shares land borders with 7 countries: Pakistan, China, Nepal, Bhutan, Bangladesh, Myanmar, and Afghanistan (through PoK).
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