India to open five diplomatic missions

These Indian embassies will "promote and safeguard the country's strategic interests" in the regions in which they are opened.

India will shortly open embassies in Reykjavik (Iceland), Guatemala City (Guatemala), Niamey (Niger) and Bamako (Mali) and a consulate general in Guangzhou (China) to "promote and safeguard the country's strategic interests" in these regions.

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The proposal to open new missions was approved by the union cabinet chaired by Prime Minister Manmohan Singh on Thursday.

Union Information and Broadcasting Minister Priya Ranjan Dasmunsi said the cabinet also approved the "creation of one consulate general and four ambassadors in the grade of joint secretary."

"This decision will help safeguard and promote India's strategic, economic and political interests in the respective regions."

"The exercise of opening these missions and making the approved appointments will be completed in the current financial year," the minister said.