Indian Diplomats Still Unable To Return To UN Mission Three Weeks After Building Evacuation

Published 22 July 2026 · india

Indian Diplomats Still Unable To Return To UN Mission Three Weeks After Building Evacuation Published By, Last Updated: July 22, 2026, 09:31 IST Even as

Indian Diplomats Still Unable To Return To UN Mission Three Weeks After Building Evacuation Published By, Last Updated: July 22, 2026, 09:31 IST Even as most evacuated buildings in Midtown Manhattan have reopened, India's Permanent Mission to the UN remains under evacuation orders. Rapid Read The building at 235 East 42nd Street is seen Tuesday, July 7, 2026, in New York. (AP) Nearly three weeks after a structural emergency prompted the evacuation of several buildings in Midtown Manhattan, Indian diplomats posted to the Permanent Mission of India to the United Nations are yet to return to their offices and residences. The Mission building, located just over a block from the UN headquarters, has remained inaccessible since July 7, when authorities ordered evacuations following structural damage at the former Pfizer headquarters, a 37-storey building undergoing construction on East 42nd Street. Home to both the Mission’s offices and residential apartments, the building was evacuated as a precaution. Diplomats and their families moved into temporary hotel accommodation across New York after complying with the evacuation order. Most Buildings Reopened, But Indian Mission Remains Closed While evacuation orders for nearly all neighbouring buildings were lifted within 24 hours and surrounding roads reopened, the Indian Mission building continues to remain under evacuation orders.

A nearby school and a hotel also remain closed. Three weeks on, neither the New York City Mayor’s Office nor the Department of Buildings has provided a timeline for when the Mission premises will be declared safe for re-entry. The prolonged uncertainty has caused significant disruption for diplomats and their families, who continue to live away from their official residences. Diplomats Continue Official Duties Despite Disruption Despite the displacement, officials at the Mission have continued carrying out diplomatic responsibilities. The disruption coincided with External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar’s visit to New York on July 13, when India formally launched its campaign for a non-permanent seat on the UN Security Council for 2028-29. According to PTI sources, the challenges faced by the Mission have been taken up with the relevant New York authorities as diplomats continue to perform their duties from temporary arrangements. PTI also sought an update from the New York City Mayor’s Office and the Department of Buildings on when diplomats could return to the Mission building. However, no response has been received. A Landmark Building Still Out Of Bounds The Permanent Mission of India in New York functions from a 27-storey red granite-clad building designed by renowned Indian architect Charles Correa and completed in 1993.