The Modi government is poised to extend its global presence by approving the addition of 215 more positions for the Indian Foreign Service (IFS). The Union Cabinet has given the green light to a cadre review and restructuring of the IFS over the next five years. This decision was driven by the increasing demand for specialized manpower, as the government plans to open nine new Indian Missions in the coming years and address the growing needs of existing missions. Notably, this major cadre restructuring marks the first of its kind in 19 years.
The restructuring, which follows the successful hosting of the G-20 summit, will lead to an augmentation in the number of IFS officers at the entry level and the creation of additional posts. The need for this expansion has been recognized for some time, with the Cadre Review Committee recommending it almost a year ago.
The Cabinet’s decision was influenced by several factors, including the requirement for more personnel to navigate India’s diplomacy, especially in the context of its initiatives such as the Global Biofuel Alliance, International Solar Alliance, Coalition for Disaster-Resilient Infrastructure, and International Yoga Day, among others.
In its proposal, the Ministry of External Affairs highlighted the increase in the average number of visits by senior government officials to countries with Indian missions, rising from around 9-10 visits per year in 2014 to nearly 35-40 in 2023. Consequently, there is a pressing need for additional specialized staff both at these missions and at the headquarters in New Delhi.
Earlier this year, the Parliamentary Standing Committee on External Affairs recommended that the government bolster the manpower of India’s diplomatic service to align with the country’s aspirations to play a pivotal role on the global stage. The committee also noted that the IFS is understaffed compared to many other nations, with 1,011 IFS officers making up just 22.5% of the foreign ministry’s total workforce of 4,888.
