Ministry of External Affairs: Role, Power & Functions of MEA

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The Ministry of External Affairs is abbreviated as “MEA.” The implementation of Indian foreign policy falls within the purview of the Ministry of External Affairs of India.

ministry of external affairs

Ministry of External Affairs- INTRODUCTION: The Minister of External Affairs is a member of the Cabinet responsible for overseeing the work of the Ministry of External Affairs. The Foreign Secretary is the highest-ranking official in charge of the country’s diplomatic missions abroad.

The Ministry oversees representing India at the United Nations and other international organizations, as well as growing and protecting India’s influence and interests abroad through its network of embassies. In addition to this, it provides advice to other ministries and state governments regarding the activities of foreign agencies and governments.

HISTORY OF MEA

A vestige of the time when India was under British rule, this government agency was originally known as the Ministry of External Affairs and Commonwealth Relations. When it was reorganized in 1948, it became known as the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.  Before Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru’s untimely demise in 1964, the position was merely an added responsibility. After his passing, a dedicated Minister with Cabinet status was finally established.

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The ministry oversees the management of the Naga Hills, the Tensing Area, the Port Haj Committee Act of 1932, the Indian Merchant Shipping Act since it relates to pilgrim ships, the Indian Pilgrim Shipping Rules of 1933, and the Protection of Pilgrims Act of 1887. All these responsibilities fall under the purview of the ministry.

WORKS OF MEA

The Indian government’s MEA, or Ministry of External Affairs, oversees keeping in touch with and fostering relationships with other nations. To get a job with one of the best agencies in the federal government, young people should apply with the Staff Selection Commission.

Assistant Section Officer (ASO) in MEA is one of the highest-ranking positions available through SSC CGL.

CURRENT MEA OF INDIA

Since May 30, 2019, Dr. S. Jaishankar has served as India’s Minister of External Affairs. He represents Gujarat in India’s Parliament, where he serves in the Upper House.

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In 2019, he was awarded the Padma Shri for his contributions to society, and in 2020, his book The India Way: Strategies for an Uncertain World became a national bestseller.