balinews In an effort to provide greater impetus to its commercial ties with Indonesia, India will open a consulate at Bali. A meeting of the Union Cabinet chaired by Prime Minister Manmohan Singh approved the opening of the consulate general of India and creation of four India-based posts including that of consul general in the level of joint secretary, besides six local posts. "The opening of the consulate general of India in Bali will strengthen India's traditional bonds with Indonesia and also improve its protocol, commercial and consular presence in the island," an official spokesperson said. This would provide impetus to commercial interaction between India and the target region in Indonesia, she said. The consulate general of India in Bali would also be beneficial to the local PIO (persons of Indian origin) community, which comprises over 230 families within Bali itself, apart from some more Indian and PIO families in neighbouring East and South Kalimantan. The proposed consulate would entail an annual recurring expenditure of Rs1.77 crore. In addition, there shall be one time expenditure of Rs33 lakh, she said. An Indian Cultural Centre was established in Bali in 2004 which has done exemplary work in propagating yoga, Indian culture and performing arts. With increasing popularity of Bali as a holiday destination, the number of Indian tourists going there has also swelled to about 20,000 every year. This has put enormous pressure on the meagre resources of the Indian Cultural Centre in Bali. India to open a consulate at Bali - India - DNA
