The Indian high commissions, embassies and consulates across the world are the first point of contact for Indian citizens, those of Indian origin and foreign nationals who desire to travel to India for tourism and even trade. Some foreign Missions may be doing a good job, but unfortunately, there is a public perception that all is not well and that there is room for improvement. Having had the opportunity of visiting the Indian embassy in Lisbon, what was observed was undesirable and absolutely unacceptable. Every visitor should be dealt with pragmatically and courteously, the focus being on finding a solution to a grievance. Understandably having the needed security in place but ending the red tape would go a long way towards presenting a positive image. In Rome you do as the Romans do, so it would be nice to see high levels of courtesy, politeness and due diligence at all Indian missions abroad while seeing them zealously and enthusiastically striving to serve the diaspora scattered worldwide. Prime Minister Narendra Modi and External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar could oversee this happening.
