Enhancing Security and Cultural Outreach: A Parliamentary Call for Action

A parliamentary panel led by MP Shashi Tharoor has urged the creation of a dedicated budget for securing Indian missions abroad, recommending immediate audits and enhanced security at high-risk locations. The report includes budget allocations for diplomatic aid and the status of Indian Cultural Centres in strategic countries.

A parliamentary panel has recommended that the Indian government allocate a dedicated budget for securing its missions abroad, with a focus on auditing and enhancing security at high-risk locations. This call to action by the Committee on External Affairs takes on added importance amid ongoing global tensions, including the West Asia crisis.

The report presented in Parliament highlights the lack of a specific budget for mission security, urging the Ministry of External Affairs to consider a defined budget sub-head. With 62 recommendations, the report covers budget allocations for grants and highlights reduced diplomatic aid to Bangladesh amidst local unrest.

The panel also assessed the status of Indian Cultural Centres. While praising renovations in Paris, the Committee expressed concerns over the potential sale of the Washington, DC property, recommending careful steps to sustain India's cultural influence in significant bilateral locations.

(With inputs from agencies.)