The secretary for public affairs is expected to be a nodal post dealing with visa issues, Haj issues and other publicity and public diplomacy matters. The new secretary would also be responsible for aligning the four divisions within the ministry to ensure smooth functioning.

The growing realization in India, at least outside the government, is that engagement shouldn’t be merely state or personality driven. India’s government should take note of this, and ease visa restrictions on citizens from neighboring countries. It’s time to showcase India’s soft power, rather than relying on the External Affairs Ministry.