Even a country like Brazil has 1,197 diplomats. The US, the world's sole superpower after the Cold War, tops the list with 19,667 diplomats. Germany has 3,250 and the UK has 3,600 diplomats, Markey noted.

Markey's articles were discussed internally but foreign offices sources point out that changes had already begun with opening of new missions, specially in Africa, where an Indian envoy is sometimes responsible for more than two to three countries, and more emphasis being paid to public diplomacy with a region that has often stood neglected despite long-standing political and ethnic ties.

To enrich knowledge and expertise, there is a plan to bring in specialists from other ministries on deputation and experts from think tanks to address specific issues like climate change and energy security. Regular consultations with think tanks on specific issues have also become part of the drill.

There are also ambitious plans to outsource some of protocol-related work to private agencies to free up diplomats to focus on more substantive policy issues. A part of the passport services has been outsourced. Called the Passport Seva Project, it is likely to become operational in Punjab and Bangalore by the end of the year. Part of the passport services has been outsourced to Tata Consultancy services.

But while it's a good beginning to make, the IFS has to act fast on these and more changes if it wants to shepherd India on the world stage with a place on the global high tables, say strategic analysts and former diplomats.

Satish Chandra, a former deputy national security adviser and a former envoy to Pakistan, rues the lack of depth of expertise and area specialisation among diplomats. There are opportunities for specialisation in areas like economic diplomacy, climate change, legal issues and non-proliferation, Chandra told IANS.

Above all, there is a compelling need for a mindset change that is in tune with India's rising global stature and expanding economy. 'The present mindset is not of a major role player in the global system. One hopes it will change,' K. Subrahmanyam, a strategic analyst, said.

(Manish Chand can be contacted at manish.c@ians.in)