MEA gets interactive through smartphone app

Now you can get help with your passport, visa, and if abroad, get consular assistance, or even ask questions of the external affairs minister - all on your smartphone with the 'MEAIndia' app.

The 'MEAIndia' application, being launched Monday evening by Foreign Secretary Ranjan Mathai, will help users find out the nearest Indian mission or post for emergency consular assistance, if required, and also find out how to undertake the Kailash Manasarovar Yatra and Haj Pilgrimage, according to a ministry statement Monday.

Users can also download and watch pictures and documentaries on India, share and contribute their own pictures and suggestions or even follow the prime minister on his visits abroad.

The app will provide all the information required to apply for an Indian passport, locate the nearest Passport Seva Kendra, download the requisite forms, calculate the fees and even track your application status. Online application for passports is also on the way, says the statement.

"You plan to travel abroad for work or study and need to legalize your documents? 'MEAIndia' simplifies the steps involved for you and helps you identify the authorized agencies for attestation/apostille of your documents," says the release.

The app also provides useful information on Indian visas as well as visa requirements for Indians.

"Be the first one to know the latest developments in our external relations and make your own opinions. Get the latest press releases, speeches and statements, agreements, videos and photographs of all the major events on India's foreign policy right on your smartphone."

You can follow more than 120 Indian missions, get to know the latest travel and business advisories issued by Indian missions while travelling abroad.

You can also ask External Affairs Minister Salman Khurshid "on the go, anytime, anywhere and get answers to your queries directly from him on foreign policy issues that matter to you most".

"Participate in 'mobile democracy'- Post your queries (or) vote for the queries posted by your friends".

The top two voted questions will be answered by the minister himself every month, says the statement.

"Share your views, post your comments, contribute your stories/pictures/videos and join the larger conversation on India's Foreign policy."

"'MEAIndia' has dedicated modules on Haj and KailashManasarovarYatra (KMY). It will come handy by bringing you the latest Haj News and providing details of your flight, accommodation and tour operator.

"Or if you are planning for a pilgrimage to Mt. Kailash, you can apply for the Kailash ManasarovarYatra and track your selection status using the 'MEAIndia' mobile application.

"You can also take a quiz on India's foreign relations and check out your Foreign policy Quotient; win exciting prizes or contribute a question. The first 100 winners will each get e vouchers worth Rs.1,000 redeemable on www.landmarkonthenet.com."