43 officials in Indian diplomatic missions to face action

The government is taking action with regard to complaints against 43 officials of Indian diplomatic missions in 17 countries who are facing a variety of charges, including corruption and dereliction of duty. “Action is being taken in all 43 cases as per established procedure,” ministry of external affairs spokesman Vikas Swarup was quoted by news agencies as saying in Bangkok.

Some of the complaints are against low-ranking officials and locally-hired staff and the cases are being dealt with as per procedure, he said. “The ministry takes seriously any complaint that it receives about the performance of its missions and posts abroad. Complaints are dealt with as per established and prescribed procedures,” Mr Swarup, currently accompanying external affairs minister Sushma Swaraj on a three-day official visit to Thailand, told news agencies.

As per official figures, six complaints against officials in Indian missions were received in 2012, 10 in 2013 and 27 in 2014.