The MEA statement said the conference will allow the government to give directions to the Indian envoys on major foreign policy objectives after the formation of the new government in May 2009.

'This annual interaction between the government of India and its ambassadors will therefore help to ensure that the latter are well-equipped to shoulder the complex responsibilities required to fulfil the Indian envoys' responsibilities in a rapidly changing global environment,' it added.

The last such meeting was held in December 2008 - during which it was decided to make the conference an annual feature.