NEW DELHI: The
Union cabinet
on Wednesday approved the proposal to open a consulate general in Auckland,
New Zealand
, which is home to a large number of
non-resident Indians
(NRIs).
The consulate is likely to be fully operationalised within 12 months, the government said. “Opening of
consulate general of India
in Auckland will help in increasing India’s diplomatic footprint and strengthen India’s diplomatic representation in view of India’s increasing global engagement.
This will also help promote India’s strategic and commercial interests and better serve the welfare of Indian community in Auckland,” it added.
India currently has a consulate in Auckland, which is headed by a honorary consul. The opening of a consulate general would pave the way for the appointment of a consul general, a post held by an officer of the Indian Foreign Service.