EMBASSIES AND HIGH COMMISSION
1. Context:
OVER TWO years after the Taliban captured Afghanistan and the Ashraf Ghani government collapsed the Afghanistan Embassy in New Delhi has said that it is ceasing its operations from Sunday (October 1), citing “lack of support from the host government”, failure to “meet expectations… to serve the best interests of Afghanistan”, and paucity of resources and personnel.
2. Why Afghanistan Embassy Has Closed Its Operations In India?
- “It is with profound sadness, regret and disappointment that the Embassy of Afghanistan in New Delhi announces this decision to cease its operations,” the Afghanistan Embassy said in a statement
- It said the decision was taken after careful consideration, taking into account the historic ties and longstanding partnership between Afghanistan and India. Listing the primary reasons for the “unfortunate closure”, it alleged “lack of support from the host government” which, it said, hindered its ability to carry out duties effectively.
- "We acknowledge our shortcomings in meeting the expectations and requirements necessary to serve the best interests of Afghanistan and its citizens due to the lack of diplomatic support in India and the absence of a legitimate functioning government in Kabul"
- The Afghan Embassy said it was taking this step in the best interest of the people of Afghanistan.
- In accordance with Article 45 of the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations (1961), all property and facilities of the Embassy will be transferred to the custodial authority of the host country
3. A diplomatic mission or foreign mission
A diplomatic mission or foreign mission is a group of people from a state or organization present in another state to represent the sending state or organization officially in the receiving or host state.
In practice, the phrase usually denotes an embassy or high commission, which is the main office of a country's diplomatic representatives to another country; it is usually, but not necessarily, based in the receiving state's capital city.
Key Aspects:
- The primary role of a diplomatic mission is to represent the sending country's government and its interests in the host country. This representation extends to both the host country's government and its citizens
- Diplomatic missions engage in diplomacy to promote and protect their country's interests. This involves negotiations, discussions, and dialogues with the host country's government to address issues such as trade, security, human rights, and more
- Diplomatic missions serve as a channel for communication between the sending country and the host country. They convey official messages, requests, and information, ensuring that both nations are informed about each other's positions and concerns.
- Diplomatic missions provide consular services to their citizens residing in or visiting the host country.
- This includes issuing passports, visas, and providing assistance in emergencies, such as during natural disasters or accidents.
- Diplomatic missions often work to promote cultural exchanges, trade, and economic cooperation between the sending and host countries. They may organize cultural events, trade missions, and business meetings to foster stronger ties
4.What is Embassy?
An embassy is a specific type of diplomatic mission or foreign mission that serves as the principal representation of one country's government in another sovereign nation. Embassies are established in foreign capitals and are typically the most significant and official diplomatic presence that a country has in a foreign country
Key Features:
Diplomatic Representation: The primary purpose of an embassy is to represent the sending country's government and its interests in the host country. It serves as the official point of contact between the two nations.
Ambassador: An ambassador is the highest-ranking diplomat in an embassy. They are appointed by the sending country's government and serve as the official representative, responsible for managing diplomatic relations and negotiations with the host country.
Consular Services: Embassies provide a range of consular services to their citizens who are living in or visiting the host country. These services may include issuing passports, visas, and providing assistance during emergencies or legal matters
Diplomatic Functions: Embassies engage in diplomatic activities, such as negotiating agreements, treaties, and trade deals, as well as promoting cultural exchanges and cooperation in various fields.
Security: Embassies are responsible for the safety and security of their diplomatic staff and facilities. They work closely with the host country's authorities to ensure the safety of diplomats and their families.
Ceremonial and Protocol Functions: Embassies are involved in various ceremonial functions and protocol activities, including hosting state visits, official receptions, and national day celebrations, to maintain proper diplomatic etiquette.
Conflict Resolution and Negotiation: Diplomats at embassies engage in negotiations to resolve disputes and conflicts diplomatically. They work to find peaceful solutions to disagreements between the two nations.
Reporting to Home Country: Embassy staff regularly report to their home country on developments in the host country, including political changes, economic trends, and significant events. These reports help shape foreign policy decisions
5. What is Consulate?
A consulate is a type of diplomatic mission or foreign mission established by a country in a foreign city or region to provide various services to its citizens living in or visiting that area. While consulates are an essential part of a country's diplomatic representation abroad, they differ from embassies in terms of their functions and scope
Key features:
Consular Services: The primary function of a consulate is to provide consular services to the citizens of the sending country who are located within its jurisdiction.
These services include issuing passports, visas, and travel documents, as well as providing assistance during emergencies, such as accidents, illnesses, or legal issues. Consulates can also assist with births, deaths, and marriages of their citizens abroad
Visa Issuance: Consulates often handle visa applications and processing for foreigners who wish to visit or travel to the sending country. They assess visa applications, conduct interviews, and issue visas based on the country's immigration policies and regulations
Legal and Judicial Assistance: In some cases, consulates can assist their citizens with legal matters, such as providing information on local legal procedures, facilitating communication with local attorneys, and offering guidance on legal issues.
6.What is the difference between Embassies and High Commissions?
The main difference between embassies and high commissions is that the term "high commission" is used exclusively within the context of the Commonwealth of Nations, which is an association of countries that were formerly part of the British Empire. In Commonwealth countries, high commissions serve the same diplomatic and representational functions as embassies but have a distinct name to reflect the shared historical and political ties among member states.
| Embassy | High Commission |
| An embassy is established by a sovereign state in the capital city of another sovereign state. | A high commission is established by a Commonwealth country (a country that is a member of the Commonwealth of Nations) in another Commonwealth country |
| It represents the diplomatic presence of one country's government in the capital city of another country | It serves the same function as an embassy but carries a different name due to historical and Commonwealth-related distinctions |
| The head of an embassy is called an ambassador. | The head of a high commission is called a high commissioner, which is equivalent in function to an ambassador. |
| Embassies are typically used when two sovereign states with different governments are involved. For example, if the United States establishes a diplomatic mission in France, it would be called the "Embassy of the United States in Paris." | High commissions are used when a Commonwealth country establishes a diplomatic mission in another Commonwealth country. For example, if Canada establishes a diplomatic mission in the United Kingdom, it would be called the "High Commission of Canada in London." |
7. What are the Key Differences Between a Consulate and an Embassy?
Consulates and embassies are both types of diplomatic missions, but they have distinct differences in terms of their functions, roles, and the services they provide
| Consulate | Embassy |
| An embassy is typically located in the capital city of a foreign country. It serves as the primary diplomatic representation of one country in another. | A consulate is often located in major cities or regions within a foreign country. Consulates have specific jurisdictions, and there may be multiple consulates in one host country, each covering a designated geographic area |
| The head of an embassy is known as an ambassador. Ambassadors are typically the highest-ranking diplomats and represent the sending country's government at the highest level. | The head of a consulate is referred to as a consul or consul general. While consuls hold important diplomatic roles, they generally have a lower rank than ambassadors and may not have the same level of political influence |
| Embassies have a broader range of functions. They serve as the primary point of contact for diplomatic relations between countries, engage in negotiations and diplomacy, and often handle political and policy matters. | Consulates primarily focus on providing consular services to the citizens of the sending country who are living in or visiting the host country. This includes issuing passports, visas, and assisting with legal and emergency matters. They also engage in cultural, economic, and trade promotion to a lesser extent |
| Embassies may handle visa matters in some cases, especially for diplomatic and official visas. However, visa processing is not their primary function. | Consulates are often responsible for visa processing, including handling applications, conducting interviews, and issuing visas for foreign nationals who wish to visit or travel to the sending country. |
| Embassies play a significant role in gathering information about the host country's political, economic, and social developments and reporting back to their government. | While consulates may report on certain local developments, their primary focus is on consular services and assistance |
8. Vienna Convention
The Vienna Convention refers to a series of international treaties and conventions that were negotiated and adopted in Vienna, Austria, and cover various aspects of diplomatic relations, treaties, and international law. One of the most well-known and important Vienna Conventions is the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations, which was adopted in 1961
The Convention sets out the rights and obligations of sending and receiving states in relation to diplomatic missions.
It covers a wide range of topics, including the establishment of diplomatic relations, the appointment and accreditation of diplomatic agents, the functions and privileges and immunities of diplomatic missions, and the termination of diplomatic relations.
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For Prelims: Current events of national and international importance
For Mains: General Studies II: Effect of policies and politics of developed and developing countries on India’s interests, Indian diaspora
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Previous Year Questions
1.Which one of the following is the main objective of Vienna Convention and Montreal Protocol? (UPSC CAPF 2019)
A.Combat desertification
B.Formulate sustainable developmental goals
C.Protection of ozone layer
D.Combat climate change
Answer (C)
2.Vienna Convention is related to the: (OSSC WEO 2022)
A.Reduction of persistent organic pollutants
B.Reduction of Mercury Contamination
C.Protection of Ozone Layer
D.Reduction of Greenhouse Gases
Answer (C)
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Source: indianexpress
