Enhancement of India’s diplomatic presence will also provide market access for Indian companies and bolster Indian exports of goods and services

India is set to expand its diplomatic footprint with the Union Cabinet chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi approving the opening of three Indian Missions in Estonia, Paraguay and Dominican Republic in 2021.

The missions will aim to deepen political relations, enable growth of bilateral trade, investment and economic engagements. In addition, they will facilitate stronger people-to-people contacts, bolster political outreach in multilateral fora and help garner support for India’s foreign policy objectives.

These missions will also be able to better assist the Indian community and protect their interests, said a press statement issued after the Cabinet meeting held on Wednesday.

According to the statement, the objective of the country’s foreign policy is to build a conducive environment for India’s growth and development through partnerships with friendly countries.

The decision to open these three new Indian Missions is “a forward-looking step in pursuit of our national priority of growth and development” or ‘Sabka Saath Sabka Vikas’, said the statement.

Enhancement of India’s diplomatic presence in these countries will provide market access for Indian companies and bolster Indian exports of goods and services. This would have a direct impact in augmenting domestic production and employment in line with the country’s goal of a self-reliant India or ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’.