Indian embassy seeks new premises, West Bay among potential locations

The Indian embassy is looking for larger premises in an “accessible and convenient” location.The mission currently operates from a villa in the Al Hilal area. More than 500 people visit it for consular and other services every day, and long queues are a common sight.In an advertisement published in local newspapers, the embassy said it “requires a large and modern premises”, with enough space to accommodate some 100 cars around it.In addition, the advertisement states that the new premises should have parking facilities for 10 cars within the compound, a garden and a large hall with separate entrances for people visiting the consular and labour sections.The other requirements include a conference room and adequate restrooms in the public and office areas.When contacted, a senior official of the embassy stressed that the mission was looking for suitable premises “in an accessible and convenient” location,  not far from city areas. The potential locations include West Bay, which already houses a number of diplomatic missions, he added.The embassy had moved to its current premises in 2010. Before that it was located closer to the Woqod fuel station in Al Hilal.Indian expatriates have often expressed concern over the lack of space at the embassy and highlighted the need for a more spacious building as well as enhanced facilities and services. Finding parking space around the mission is also difficult at times, they say.