Minister of State for External Affairs (India)

The Minister of State for External Affairs is a junior minister in the Ministry of External Affairs of the Government of India. This position is typically held by one or more individuals simultaneously, assisting the Cabinet Minister (the Minister of External Affairs) in overseeing and managing the country's foreign policy and international relations.

The role of the Minister of State is to support the Minister of External Affairs in the daily operations of the Ministry. Their responsibilities can include:

• Representing India at international forums: Attending and speaking at international conferences, meetings, and events on behalf of India.
• Managing specific geographical regions or areas of foreign policy: Focusing on particular countries, regions, or thematic areas such as trade, security, or cultural relations.
• Handling parliamentary affairs related to the Ministry: Answering questions in Parliament, presenting reports, and participating in debates related to foreign policy.
• Overseeing specific departments or divisions within the Ministry: Taking charge of administrative and operational aspects of particular sections of the Ministry.
• Undertaking official visits to foreign countries: Strengthening bilateral relations and promoting India's interests abroad.
• Assisting the Minister of External Affairs in policy formulation and implementation: Contributing to the development and execution of India's foreign policy strategies.

The specific responsibilities delegated to each Minister of State for External Affairs are determined by the Minister of External Affairs and the Prime Minister. The position allows for a more distributed workload and specialized focus within the Ministry, enabling a more comprehensive and effective approach to India's engagement with the global community. The Ministers of State report to and work under the direction of the Minister of External Affairs.