Will the Minister of EXTERNAL AFFAIRS be pleased to state:-

(a) whether there exists any prescribed selection procedure for appointment of ambassadors and high commissioners to various countries;

(b) if so, the details thereof;

(c) if not, the reasons therefor; and

(d) the fresh steps taken by the Government to make public the selection procedure for appointment of ambassadors/high commissioners to various countries?

ANSWER: THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS (SHRIMATI PRENEET KAUR)

(a) & (b) Heads of Mission – Ambassadors and High Commissioners – are selected in keeping with India’s priorities, the requirements in a particular Diplomatic Mission, and their overall suitability including experience, seniority and regional and professional expertise. The President approves the appointments of Ambassadors/High Commissioners based on the recommendations of the Prime Minister and the External Affairs Minister and the appointment is also subject to the agre`ment of the receiving State.

(c) Does not arise.

(d) The appointments of Heads of Mission are announced as soon as the procedures as laid down in (a) & (b) above are complete. However, making the process of particular appointments public could prejudicially affect India’s relations with other States.

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Miscellaneous

South Asia