By IANS
New Delhi : India will strengthen its representation in China with a second consulate while opening new embassies in Africa, Europe and South America.
The union cabinet approved the opening of new embassies in Reykjavik (Iceland), Guatemala City (Guatemala), Niamey (Niger) and Bamako (Mali) and a consulate general in Guangzhou (China) to “promote and safeguard the country’s strategic interests” in these regions.
The proposal to open new missions was approved by the cabinet meeting chaired by Prime Minister Manmohan Singh Thursday.
India has an embassy in Beijing and a consulate in Shanghai.
Information and Broadcasting Minister Priya Ranjan Dasmunsi said the cabinet also approved the “creation of one consulate general and four ambassadors in the grade of joint secretary.
“This decision will help safeguard and promote India’s strategic, economic and political interests in the respective regions.
“The exercise of opening these missions and making the approved appointments will be completed in the current financial year,” the minister said.