New Delhi: In the backdrop of heightened geopolitical tensions and increased targeting of diplomatic premises, a parliamentary panel has recommended that the Centre create a “dedicated” budget sub-head for security of Indian missions abroad and carry out their “immediate security audit”, prioritising high-risk locations.
The observation by the Committee on External Affairs, headed by Congress MP Shashi Tharoor, assumes significance as it comes amid the ongoing West Asia crisis and several other regional conflicts globally.
In a report presented in Parliament on Tuesday, the panel has noted with “serious concern” that the Ministry of External Affairs “does not have a dedicated budget head” for the security of its 219 missions and posts abroad, with security expenditure being met from general establishment heads.
“In the context of heightened geopolitical tensions, multiple active conflict zones, and increased targeting of diplomatic premises globally, the Committee have strongly recommended that the ministry create a dedicated budget sub-head for Mission Security, with a specific annual allocation based on a comprehensive threat assessment,” the report says.
The Committee has recommended “an immediate security audit of all Indian Missions, prioritising high-risk locations, along with a time-bound security enhancement plan”.
The ‘Twelfth Report of the Committee on External Affairs (2025-26) on Demands for Grants (2026-27)’ contains 62 recommendations, ranging from budgetary allocation to passport facilities.
The report also mentions details about India’s aid to its several neighbouring countries, among others.
“The budgetary allocation made under the sub-head ‘Aid to Bangladesh’ has been reduced from Rs 120 crore during BE 2025-26 to Rs 60 crore in BE 2026-27. The ministry has informed that this is due to the political and security disturbances in Bangladesh post July-August 2024, the execution of ongoing grant projects has been delayed and no new project commitments were made in FY 2025-26,” it says.
“The delays, lack of new commitments, and completion of the Akhaura- Agartala rail line project in FY 2025-26 has necessitated a reduced budget allocation of Rs 60 cr,” the panel says.
The Committee also took note of the status of Indian Cultural Centres in Paris and Washington, DC.
The panel said it has noted that ICCR (Indian Council for Cultural Relations) and the MEA are in the process of reviewing the locations of India’s 38 Indian Cultural Centres abroad, with a view to opening new centres in strategically important countries and ensuring that existing centres are located where they can have the greatest impact.
“While welcoming the completion of renovation at the Swami Vivekananda Cultural Centre in Paris, the Committee were concerned that the Washington DC property, located in the capital of one of India’s most strategically significant bilateral partner, is now being recommended for sale on the basis of a 2024 Property Management Team assessment, without any clear alternative arrangement,” it adds.
The Committee has urged the ministry to take all necessary steps for maintaining an institutional cultural presence in Washington, DC, and to inform the panel about it.
