Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), Government of India - Contact Information and Services
The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) is India's official government body responsible for the country’s foreign relations, including diplomacy, international cooperation, consular services, and diaspora issues. Established to handle India's international partnerships, MEA serves as the main point of contact for various diplomatic missions, consular activities, and international negotiations.
Key Contact Information
Head Office Address: Ministry of External Affairs South Block, Raisina Hill New Delhi – 110011, India
Main Contact Numbers:
Control Room (for telephonic enquiries):
Phone: +91-11-23011954 / 23012292 / 23017160
Central Registry (for dak/mail):
Contact Person: Shri Lakshmi Narain, SO(DB)
Phone: +91-11-23794753
Email: aord[at]mea[dot]gov[dot]in
Important Ministerial Contacts:
External Affairs Minister: Dr. S. Jaishankar
Phone: +91-11-23011127 / 23011165
Minister of State for External Affairs: Kirti Vardhan Singh
Phone: +91-11-23014070
Spokesperson: Randhir Jaiswal
Phone: +91-11-23383371 / 23383373
Email: jsxp[at]mea[dot]gov[dot]in
MEA Divisions and Key Services
The Ministry provides a range of services through specialized divisions:
Consular Services: Assisting Indian nationals abroad, offering guidance on attestation, single status certificates, consular access, and prisoner transfer.
Passport and Visa Services: Includes visa issuance, diplomatic/official visas, and outsourcing services via FRROs (Foreign Regional Registration Offices).
Diaspora Services: MEA's Diaspora division works on agreements related to migration, overseas Indians' welfare, and social security pacts.
Public Diplomacy and Media: Engages the international media and manages MEA’s social media presence to enhance India's image globally.
Digital Presence and Social Media
MEA leverages social media to keep citizens informed:
MADAD Portal: Online platform for tracking grievances of Indian nationals abroad - MADAD Portal
E-SamikSha: MEA’s e-governance platform for issue resolution and consular services.
FAQs and Common Enquiries
The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) provides assistance and information on a variety of services that support Indian nationals and foreign visitors alike. Here are answers to some frequently asked questions to help streamline your access to MEA’s resources and services.
1. How can I contact MEA for passport-related issues?
For any passport-related queries or issues, you can reach out to the MEA’s Regional Passport Offices (RPOs) across India or use the Passport Seva Portal. Here’s how:
Passport Seva Portal: The primary platform for passport services, including application status checks, appointments, and information on required documents.
Contact Center: 24x7 toll-free support at 1800-258-1800
Twitter for Passport Queries: @CPVIndia and @passportsevamea are dedicated handles for responding to public queries about passport services.
2. How do I lodge a consular complaint or seek assistance abroad?
If you are an Indian citizen facing difficulties abroad or need consular support, the MEA provides several avenues to submit complaints and track their progress:
MADAD Portal: An online grievance redressal system that allows Indian nationals to file and track complaints related to consular services, such as missing persons, repatriation, or issues with overseas employment.
Overseas Workers Resource Centre (OWRC): Specifically for migrant workers, OWRC offers helpline support to address employment-related grievances.
Contact: +91-124-4420215
Email: helpline[at]owrc[dot]in
3. What should I do in case of a travel emergency abroad?
In the event of a travel emergency, such as passport loss or a medical emergency, Indian citizens can reach out to the Indian Mission/Consulate in the country of travel. Key resources:
Embassy/Consulate Locator: Use the MEA website to find contact details of Indian embassies and consulates worldwide.
Emergency Contacts: Indian Missions provide emergency contact numbers for urgent consular support after hours.
4. How can I get assistance with Visa and Attestation Services?
MEA offers several visa-related services for foreign nationals visiting India and Indian nationals needing document attestation:
Visa Services for Foreign Nationals: The MEA’s Visa Division provides online services for obtaining Indian visas, diplomatic visas, and special category visas.
Attestation and Apostille Services: Indian documents can be attested for use abroad. Apostille services are also available for countries that are members of the Hague Convention.
Consular Section: Visit the MEA’s dedicated counter for attestation services or use MEA-approved outsourcing centers for attestation.
5. How can Indian students studying abroad get support?
The MEA offers guidance and support for Indian students studying abroad through dedicated resources:
Student Registrations: Indian students are encouraged to register their details on the MADAD Portal to access updates and support in case of emergencies.
Student Helpline: In the case of issues related to visa renewals or facing distress abroad, students can reach the nearest Indian Mission or submit complaints via the MADAD Portal.
6. How do I access bilateral or multilateral treaties signed by India?
India’s treaties with other countries, including agreements on trade, security, and other bilateral matters, are available for public access:
Indian Treaties Database: The MEA hosts a comprehensive database of signed treaties and agreements.
Website: mea.gov.in/treaties
7. Where can I find updates on international travel guidelines and COVID-19 protocols?
For the latest travel guidelines, including COVID-19 protocols for international arrivals, the MEA regularly updates information relevant to Indian and foreign travelers:
COVID-19 Travel Guidelines: Available on the MEA’s COVID-19 page with advisories on vaccination requirements, quarantine regulations, and testing.
Website: mea.gov.in/covid19
Mutual Recognition of Vaccination Certificates: MEA provides updates on countries with mutual agreements to recognize each other’s vaccination certificates, facilitating easier travel for vaccinated individuals.
8. How can I follow MEA’s latest announcements and international engagements?
MEA is active on multiple social media platforms where it shares updates on diplomatic events, ministerial visits, and policy announcements:
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