All India Radio (AIR) is planning to launch new services for several countries, including Japan, Germany and some in the Commonwealth of Independent States, with an aim to supplement the government’s diplomatic efforts and outreach programmes to the Indian diaspora, an official said.

Canada, South Africa and Maldives are also among the countries AIR plans to reach to, its director of external services division (ESD) Amlanjyoti Mazumdar told PTI.

Currently, the ESD covers around 150 countries with programmes in 27 languages -- 14 of them targeting neighbouring countries and nations in Southeast Asia. The ESD plans to expand its global presence now, targeting nations hitherto uncovered by AIR.

“The ESD has proposed to introduce new services for some countries like Japan, Canada, Germany, South Africa, Maldives and some of the Commonwealth of Independent States countries,” Mazumdar said.

The CIS is a loose grouping of nine member states and two associate members. It was formed during the dissolution of the Soviet Union in 1991.

The AIR proposal was taken up for discussion during an advisory committee meeting on external broadcast recently.

Mazumdar said these services will aid the government’s efforts to further accelerate engagement with global audience and assist diplomatic outreach.

“The foreign radio service also plays important role in public diplomacy, especially in the countries which have a large Indian diaspora.

“Indians today live in almost every country and are interested in knowing what the country of their birth holds for them,” he said.

The programme menu of the ESD comprises news bulletins, commentaries on current affairs and a review of the Indian press. It also includes informative talks, interviews, documentaries, features, Indian music of all genres and plays.