The
Ministry of External Affairs of India is the government agency responsible for maintaining the foreign relations of India. The Ministry of External Affairs is headed by the Minister of External Affairs, a Cabinet Minister. The Foreign Secretary, an Indian Foreign Service officer, is the most senior civil servant who is the head of the Department of Foreign Affairs. The Ministry represents the Government of India through embassies and is also responsible for India's representation at the United Nations and other international organizations. It also advises other Ministries and State Governments on foreign governments and institutions.