India Focuses on Enhancing IFS Officer Resources, No Aircraft Hired for Repatriation Since 2020

The Indian Ministry of External Affairs prioritizes the well-being of its IFS officers by allocating additional resources where needed. The Ministry has not hired aircraft for immigrant repatriation since 2020, opting for commercial flights when necessary. Current IFS 'A' officers total 1177, with 57 operational divisions.

The Indian Ministry of External Affairs remains committed to prioritizing the well-being of its Indian Foreign Service (IFS) officers. On Thursday, Minister of State for External Affairs, Kirti Vardhan Singh, assured the Rajya Sabha that additional resources are being allocated to address the functional requirements of these diplomats.

Responding to Trinamool Congress MP Mohammed Nadimul Haque's inquiry, Singh detailed the Ministry's diplomatic workforce data. He specified that, as of February 1, 2025, there are 1177 sanctioned IFS 'A' officers, with systems in place to enhance housing availability amid ongoing development projects.

In separate comments, Minister of State, Pabitra Margherita, clarified that since 2020, the Ministry has not employed Indian Air Force or chartered/commercial aircraft for repatriating Indian immigrants. Assistance for deportees is instead offered through commercial flight ticket purchases under specific conditions.

(With inputs from agencies.)