Sat Mar 08 17:49:08 UTC 2025: ## India’s Ministry of External Affairs Phases Out Interpreter Cadre After Nearly a Decade

**New Delhi, March 8, 2025** – India’s Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has quietly phased out its dedicated interpreter cadre after almost a decade without new recruits, sources within the ministry revealed late Friday. The decision, which effectively ends a program established during Indira Gandhi’s premiership, stems from dissatisfaction with the quality of interpretation services provided.

The MEA cited concerns that interpreters were primarily translating, rather than engaging in the specialized skill of interpretation. To address this, the ministry is now focusing on providing more rigorous language training to Indian Foreign Service (IFS) recruits, encouraging them to specialize in foreign languages and develop advanced interpretation capabilities.

The interpreter cadre, which played a significant role in supporting India’s diplomatic efforts for decades—including interpreting for Prime Ministers from Nehru to Modi—had become prominent for its service alongside successive heads of state. Its members provided critical translation during high-profile meetings, such as those between Prime Minister Modi and US President Trump.

However, the MEA’s decision has sparked controversy. Veteran diplomat Talmiz Ahmad argued that the move represents a “dilettante approach” and urged the ministry to establish a dedicated school of interpretation. He highlighted the increasing importance of professional interpretation, particularly given the rise in the use of Hindi by Indian political leaders during foreign interactions. The need for high-quality interpretation into Hindi and other Indian languages is now more crucial than ever, he stressed.

The MEA’s interpreter cadre was formally established in the mid-1970s after a period of informal operation within the ministry, reflecting a growing need for language specialists as global relations evolved. The cadre included renowned interpreters who served alongside several prime ministers, and played critical roles in delicate diplomatic situations, such as securing the release of Indian truckers kidnapped in Iraq. The phasing out of this cadre leaves a void in the MEA’s capacity for high-level interpretation. The ministry’s shift towards relying solely on IFS officers’ language skills remains a subject of debate.

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