New Delhi/Constantinople | January 21, 2026 The Sovereign Order of Melitenses of St. John of Jerusalem (Orthodox Knights of Malta) has initiated the establishment of formal diplomatic relations with the Republic of India. An official Nota Verbale and Proposal have been sent to Dr. S. Jaishankar, Minister of External Affairs of India, on behalf of the Order’s Grand Prior, Governor General of Melitense, Calgaro Salvo Francesco.The Order has requested accreditation from the Government of India to open a diplomatic mission headquarters in India and commence bilateral relations. In the proposal, the Order describes itself as a sovereign subject under international law, citing its historical, legal, and humanitarian functions. On this occasion, Mr. Sharma Shashi Kumar (born April 14, 1962, Rae Bareli, Uttar Pradesh; Passport Number: IND Z8135846) was appointed as the Order’s Correspondent. He has been authorized to develop the Sovereign Order of Melitense’s international and diplomatic relations and establish intergovernmental contacts.According to the Order, it was founded in 1118 in the name of St.
John of Jerusalem and has a history spanning over a thousand years. The organization has worked internationally in the fields of humanitarian aid, health services, and development cooperation over various periods. The Order states that it is dedicated to human welfare without any political, religious, or national discrimination.The resolution also states that the Orthodox Order of Malta has its own government, independent judicial system, and constitution, and maintains diplomatic contacts with many countries and international organizations. The Order also reiterated its commitment to the purposes and principles of the United Nations Charter. The Governor General requested the Government of India to consider the proposal positively, stating that cooperation with India could provide a new direction to humanitarian aid, development projects and international cooperation.The Order is administratively headquartered in Congo (Pointe-Noire) and in Italy (Anzio, Rome) for Europe and functions under the direction of the Holy Ecumenical Patriarchate of Constantinople.
