MEA working on easing problems faced by foreign missions

The External Affairs Ministry was “consulting” on the suggestions made by Dean of Diplomatic Corps on easing of difficulties faced by some foreign missions due to demonetisation, ministry spokesperson Vikas Swarup said on Thursday.

Referring to the meeting between Foreign Secretary S Jaishankar and Dean Frank Hans Dannenberg Castellanos last week, Swarup said Jaishankar subsequently wrote to the Dean in which he conveyed that the Dean had given some practical suggestions on how temporary difficulties faced by some missions could be eased.

“The Foreign Secretary said we are consulting on this matter and we will revert in due course,” the spokesperson told reporters. Dominican Ambassador to India Castellanos, who as Dean represents the voice of 157 foreign missions, had asked for raising the limit of weekly cash withdrawal from the existing Rs 50,000 for embassies among other suggestions.