Delhi-based visa processing agency BLS International Services Limited, the second largest in the space, has appointed former President of Estonia Toomas Hendrik Ilves as its global strategic advisor to further strengthen its Global Advisory Board. According to reports from Business Standard, this appointment follows the recent addition of former Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison as Global Strategic Advisor to BLS International's Global Advisory Board. The agency is expanding its global strategic leadership to support its next phase of growth.
Toomas Hendrik Ilves served as President of Estonia from 2006 to 2016 across two terms, following a distinguished career spanning diplomacy, government, international institutions and technology policy. As reported by Business Standard, addressing the appointment, Shikhar Aggarwal, Joint Managing Director, BLS International, stated that the company is entering an important new phase in its growth journey with a clear ambition to expand global presence and further strengthen engagement with governments and stakeholders. Aggarwal emphasized building a strong team and accomplished group of advisors who bring valuable experience and diverse perspectives to the organisation.
Ilves brings specific expertise in digital government and e-governance initiatives, as well as work related to cybersecurity and digital transformation during his presidency. According to Business Standard, Ilves highlighted India's remarkable digital transformation and its focus on building technology-led, citizen-centric public services that have created a model attracting global attention. He noted that the country's progress in building digital public infrastructure and enabling more efficient and accessible public services offers valuable lessons for the world. This perspective aligns with BLS International's global expansion strategy and advisory board development.
BLS International Services Limited operates across more than 100 countries and works with over 46 client governments. As reported by Business Standard, the agency reported robust performance for FY26, with consolidated revenue of ₹2,998 crore, registering 36.7 per cent year-on-year growth, while net profit stood at ₹724 crore, up 34.1 per cent year-on-year. The company's strong financial performance supports its continued expansion and strategic advisory appointments.
