New Delhi: The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting has significantly reduced its proposal to deploy Indian Information Service officers in Indian missions abroad, bringing the number down from 40 proposed posts to 10 after objections were raised by the Ministry of External Affairs.
The revised proposal comes after the earlier plan, aimed at strengthening India’s international media outreach through a new global communication structure under Press Information Bureau, failed to receive approval from the MEA.
Original Plan Sought 40 IIS Officers in Global Missions
The original proposal had suggested creation of 40 cadre posts for Indian Information Service officers across Indian diplomatic missions abroad.
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The officers were proposed to be attached to embassies and high commissions to –
- Manage media outreach
- Strengthen strategic communication
- Project India’s development narrative globally
- Counter adverse international narratives
The proposal also envisaged a new global outreach unit under PIB to support coordinated communication efforts abroad.
MEA Returned Proposal Over Technical Objections
According to official inputs, the Ministry of External Affairs returned the proposal citing multiple concerns.
The major objections included –
- Lack of foreign language expertise among IIS officers
- Overlap with communication responsibilities already handled by diplomats
- Duplication of work within embassy communication structures
MEA reportedly argued that such responsibilities are traditionally handled by officers of the Indian Foreign Service, whose core training includes diplomatic communication, language preparation and local engagement.
Fresh Proposal Now Restricts Deployment to 10 Missions
In the revised version submitted last month, the I&B Ministry has scaled down the plan to just 10 postings initially.
These proposed postings are understood to target major global capitals and business hubs where international interest in India remains high.
Cities Identified in Revised Proposal
The new list reportedly includes missions in:
- Washington, D.C.
- London
- Brussels
- Moscow
- Beijing
- Tokyo
- Dubai
These locations were selected due to growing global media attention toward India’s economy, diplomacy and geopolitical role.
Fresh Proposal May Still Face Resistance
Sources indicate that even the revised 10-post plan may not easily receive approval from the administrative wing of the MEA.
The administrative division in MEA handles –
- Human resource deployment abroad
- Creation of new posts in foreign missions
- Service integration within diplomatic establishments
Officials reportedly remain cautious because language capability and understanding of local communication environments are considered core diplomatic requirements.
Vienna Convention Issues Also Under Examination
A further concern relates to the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations.
Technical questions arise because the proposal reportedly allows IIS officers not only to support embassy communications but also to work as correspondents for Prasar Bharati.
This creates possible questions regarding:
- Diplomatic immunity status
- Role distinction inside embassies
- Compatibility with diplomatic protocol
Why I&B Wants Dedicated Communication Officers Abroad
The I&B Ministry’s argument is that India’s expanding global presence requires specialised media professionals who can actively manage narratives in foreign media environments.
The ministry believes dedicated IIS officers could improve:
- Structured media engagement
- Rapid response to misinformation
- Promotion of policy messaging
- Stronger visibility of India’s growth story
Bigger Administrative Debate Emerging
The proposal has now triggered a larger debate within government over whether strategic communication abroad should remain solely within diplomatic channels or include specialist media cadres.
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