The cover of the Ministry of External Affairs’ Diplomatic ‘Protocol Handbook,’ which outlines procedures governing official engagements with foreign diplomatic missions. On November 11, Nagaland Chief Secretary Sentiyanger Imchen reminded State departments to adhere to MEA guidelines on diplomatic protocol. (Screenshot from MEA Protocol Handbook/Morung Photo)
Kohima, November 11 (MExN): Chief Secretary Sentiyanger Imchen has reminded all government departments to strictly adhere to the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) guidelines on diplomatic protocol, particularly concerning official engagements and visits by foreign diplomatic representatives.
The matter was highlighted during a meeting of Administrative Heads of Departments (AHoDs) and Heads of Departments (HoDs) at the Nagaland Civil Secretariat, Kohima, on November 11.
Imchen stated that official engagements and proposed visits by foreign diplomats or representatives of diplomatic missions must be routed through the MEA and undertaken only with its express approval.
He clarified that visits by foreign nationals in their individual capacity would be treated differently, while visits undertaken in their official capacity as representatives of their respective countries must follow the prescribed diplomatic procedures.
He urged all departments to take note of the guidelines to ensure consistency in official communication and engagement with foreign diplomatic missions.
Among others, under the MEA’s Protocol Handbook, official correspondence and policy-related engagements with foreign diplomatic missions must be routed through established Ministry channels rather than handled independently by State authorities.
Visits by Heads of Missions and diplomats to States also require advance submission of itineraries, purpose, duration and places of stay to the Protocol-III Section at least 10 working days beforehand.
Requests for courtesy calls on Governors, Chief Ministers and other State dignitaries must similarly follow prescribed channels, while reception and other official courtesies are governed by the visiting dignitary’s diplomatic rank.
