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Xavier stressed the growing disconnect between India's foreign policy ambitions and its current diplomatic infrastructure. "India's foreign policy ambitions have expanded significantly, yet the size of the foreign service has remained relatively static, with only about 1,000 officers to serve the country's growing international interests," he remarked.
Union Public Service Commission office
UPDATED: Jan 31, 2025 23:43 IST
In an exclusive interview with India Today Global, Constantino Xavier, Senior Fellow in Foreign Policy and Security Studies at the Centre for Social and Economic Progress (CSEP), shared his insights on India's Union Budget for 2025 and its implications for the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA). The interview highlights key concerns about India's diplomatic capacity and the need for substantial reforms to support its expanding global ambitions.
Xavier stressed the growing disconnect between India’s foreign policy ambitions and its current diplomatic infrastructure. "India’s foreign policy ambitions have expanded significantly, yet the size of the foreign service has remained relatively static, with only about 1,000 officers to serve the country’s growing international interests," he remarked. With the country poised to increase its influence on the global stage, this disparity has become a pressing concern.
Xavier emphasised that a larger and more efficient diplomatic workforce is essential to align India’s foreign policy with its growing economic and geopolitical stature. “The current size of India’s diplomatic corps is not nearly enough to meet the country’s strategic needs, especially in the context of the rapidly evolving global landscape,” he noted, adding that the diplomatic service must be significantly expanded.
He further elaborated, stating, "To match its global ambitions, India’s foreign service must be significantly expanded. I would recommend tripling the size of the foreign service over the next 20 to 30 years." This sentiment aligns with his broader argument that without such reforms, India risks falling short in delivering on its global potential.
Xavier also pointed out that addressing these gaps in diplomatic capacity is crucial if India is to truly capitalise on its increasing global footprint. “The scale of India’s foreign service needs to evolve to reflect its growing economic, political, and military influence,” he said.
In conclusion, Xavier's remarks serve as a stark reminder that India’s foreign policy ambitions can only be realised through comprehensive investments in its diplomatic infrastructure, ensuring that the MEA is properly equipped to navigate the complex challenges of the modern world.
Published By:
indiatodayglobal
Published On:
Jan 31, 2025
