India has designed to operate two new consulates in Kazan in Russia and Yakaterinburg in Russia in the 2025–26 financial year, the Parliamentary Standing Committee said in a report on Thursday.
The move is part of a broad push to expand India’s diplomatic footprint in Europe and Latin America-Caribbean region. The Ministry of External Affairs (Mea) has informed the parliamentary panel that five new missions have been approved in these areas.
“Approval has been obtained to operate five new missions in Europe and Latin America and Caribbean regions. In addition, in view of India’s growing diplomatic engagement, new consulates are also being opened by the Ministry. New Consules are also being opened. New Consules are being exposed to Belfast (UK), Manchester (UK) and Fukuoka (US). Yekaterinburg (Russia) is expected to operate in FY 2025-26.
During a conversation with Indian migrant in Moscow in July 2024, Kazan and Consulates in Yakaterinburg were first announced by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. “I want to share some good news with all of you. We have decided to open new consulates in Kazan and Yakaterinburg. This journey and trade will increase trade.” PM Modi said.
India currently maintains the consulate in St. Petersburg and Vladivostok in addition to its embassy in Moscow.
The Standing Committee headed by Congress MP Shashi Tharoor on Thursday submitted its report on a comprehensive review of India’s external engagement in Parliament.
The panel also reviewed slow progress in the establishment of South Asian University (SAU) – headquarters headquarters in Delhi. Despite contributing 57.49% to India’s operating budget and influenced the bulk of capital costs, the construction of the permanent campus was delayed. Mea has cited disruptions related to NGT restrictions, forest withdrawal issues, land encumbrances, and epidemic, as the reasons for the delay.
The committee also expressed concern that other SARC members states had failed to meet their financial commitments. As of June 2024, the outstanding amount from member countries was $ 15.80 million. Mea confirmed that only Nepal approved its dues in February 2025, while Pakistan and Bangladesh had not paid any payment.
