🏛Indian Embassy

• An Indian Embassy is an official representative of the Government of India in a foreign country. Its primary objective is to assist Indian citizens residing in that country and to strengthen the diplomatic, cultural, business, and political relations between the two nations.
• India has around 219 diplomatic missions across the world, including embassies, consulates, high commissions, and other offices.

🏛What is an Embassy?

• An Embassy is the headquarters of the government officials representing their country in a foreign state. It provides necessary assistance to Indian citizens living abroad and works to strengthen the diplomatic, political and business relations between the two nations. Along with this, it also collaborates with local governments and various organisations on matters of mutual interest.
• Embassies are generally located in the capital cities of the host countries.
• The head of an Embassy is known as the "Ambassador".

🏛What is a High Commission?

• A High Commission perform work similar to an Embassy. The only difference between the two is that in Commonwealth countries such as the United States, Britain, Australia, Canada, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, etc, it is called a High Commission instead of an Embassy.
• The chief officer of a High Commission is known as the Commissioner.

🏢What is a Consulate?

• A consulate is a branch of a diplomatic mission. It primarily offers administrative and citizen-related services and is mainly located in the major cities outside the capital.
• Its jurisdiction is limited and mainly focuses on assisting citizens.
• The key function of a consulate is to provide passport and visa services, and to help the Indian citizens abroad.
• The head of a consulate is known as the Consul.

Functions of Embassies and Consulates

Both Consulates and Embassies have different functions. If in a country there is no consulate, the Embassy or High Commission handles the related operation. Their key role are: -

• Managing political, diplomatic, and bilateral relations.
• Passport and visa-related services.
  • Issuing or renewing a passport for Indian citizens.
  • Issue an emergency passport (in case of theft or loss)
  • Issuing a visa to a foreign national travelling to India.
• Citizens Services
  • Issuing a birth certificate for children born abroad.
  • Issuing a death certificate for an Indian who dies overseas.
  • Accepting the ballot paper for the election held in India.
• Assistance to Indian Citizens
  • If any citizens need help, such as loss of a passport, arrest, or death, the Embassy provides necessary support.
  • If you have been detained for any reason, the Embassy provide guidance, shares information about lawyers, and notifies your family members.
  • They notarised certain documents, like an Affidavit and a consent letter for legal authentication.
  • They also assist Indian citizens during emergencies like arrest, accident, and death.

📌Important Information

If your passport is lost, about to expire, or you face any kind of emergency while abroad, you must contact the Indian Embassy or consulate.