As India’s diplomatic representation in the UK, the High Commission of India in London handles political, economic and consular relations. Between Commonwealth countries, embassies are known as High Commissions – it fulfils the same role as an embassy.
Contact Details
| Address | India House Aldwych, London WC2B 4NA, United Kingdom |
| Telephone | +44 20 7836 8484 |
| Fax | +44 20 7836 4331 |
| adm.london@mea.gov.in | |
| Website | www.hcilondon.gov.in |
| Head of Mission | Periasamy Kumaran, High Commissioner |
| National Day | 26 January (Republic Day) |
Opening Hours
The FCDO list gives no opening hours for this mission. Contact it by phone or e-mail before visiting.
Location of the High Commission
Before your visit
The high commission is located at India House Aldwych, London WC2B 4NA.
- Preparation: check the required documents on the mission’s website and bring originals with copies.
Who runs the Indian High Commission?
According to the London Diplomatic List, India is represented by High Commissioner Periasamy Kumaran (since 12 May 2026). 49 diplomats and attachés are registered with the FCDO for this high commission. India also has career consular offices in Belfast, Birmingham, Edinburgh and Manchester. Three honorary consulates support Indian citizens elsewhere in the UK.
Consular services
Typical consular services include:
- Indian passports and emergency travel documents
- Certification and legalisation of documents
- Powers of attorney and notarial acts
- Certificates for pensions abroad
- Citizenship and civil register matters
Depending on where you live, consular matters may also be handled by: Consulate General Belfast (Northern Ireland); Consulate General Birmingham; Consulate General Edinburgh (Scotland); Consulate General Manchester (Greater Manchester).
Documents checklist
The most frequent applications and the documents the Indian authorities ask for:
Re-issue of an Indian passport abroad
- Register and fill in the application on the Passport Seva portal for Indian embassies and consulates, then print the completed form
- Take the printout and your documents to the application centre named by the embassy or consulate for your area
- Your current passport in original, with self-attested photocopies of the first two and last two pages (including the ECR/non-ECR page) and any observation page
- Original documents plus one set of self-attested photocopies
- ICAO-compliant photographs (required since 1 September 2025)
- For a change of name or spouse’s name: e.g. marriage certificate or divorce decree
Sources: Ministry of External Affairs, India – Passport Seva at Indian embassies and consulates, Passport Seva – documents required for re-issue of passport (checked October 2026). Requirements and fees can change and individual posts may ask for more – confirm the current list with the embassy before your visit.
Do I need an appointment?
Many consular services require an appointment – check the mission’s website first.
Visa and entry information for British citizens
British citizens need a visa for India; it can be applied for online. Details: UK government travel advice – entry requirements.
Closing days
The high commission is normally closed on UK bank holidays and on India’s national day (26 January). If your visit falls close to a holiday, confirm by phone or e-mail.
Emergency assistance
For emergencies, the high commission’s number is +44 20 7836 8484. Consular staff can help with lost passports, arrests and serious accidents, but cannot cover costs or interfere with UK authorities. In the UK, the emergency number is 999 (or 112).
Diplomatic missions of India in the United Kingdom
India in the United Kingdom
- London – High Commission of India (this page)
- Belfast – Consulate General
- Birmingham – Consulate General
- Edinburgh – Consulate General
- Manchester – Consulate General
- Belfast – Honorary Consulate
- Cardiff – Honorary Consulate
- Newcastle – Honorary Consulate
Frequently asked questions about the High Commission of India in London
Where is the Indian High Commission in London?
At India House Aldwych, London WC2B 4NA.
Who is the high commissioner of India to the UK?
Periasamy Kumaran (High Commissioner), according to the London Diplomatic List of October 2026.
What is the difference between a high commission and an embassy?
None in practice: Commonwealth countries call their embassies in each other’s capitals high commissions, headed by high commissioners.
Is the Indian High Commission closed on the national day?
The FCDO list gives 26 January for India; missions usually close or hold a reception on that day.
Do British citizens need a visa for India?
Yes, but it can be applied for online.
Is there an Indian consulate outside London?
Yes: in Belfast, Birmingham, Edinburgh and Manchester.
Details checked on 10 October 2026. Sources: UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office – London Diplomatic List (October 2026), UK government foreign travel advice – entry requirements for India, www.hcilondon.gov.in. Rules and opening hours can change. Confirm with the high commission before your visit.
Visitor experiences
No experiences have been shared yet. Have you visited the India High Commission London? Your tips help other visitors.