Officials from the government of India have announced that they will be opening embassies in four countries around the world as well as a new Consulate General.
The new embassies are intended to promote the economic and political interests of India in Guatemala, Niger, Mali, and Iceland. A Consulate General will be established in Guangzhou, China.
Embassies were approved by Prime Minister Manmohan Singh in Reykjavik, Guatemala City, Niamey and Bamako.
Information and Broadcasting Minister P R Dasmunsi told reporters that the Union Cabinet also approved new posts including the Consulate General and four ambassadors with the rank of Joint-Secretaries.
“This decision will help safeguard and promote India’s strategic, economic and political interests in the respective regions”, Dasmunsi said.
Residents of Iceland will hopefully be able to apply for visas to India at the new embassy within the year.