Alarmed by a surge in cases of its officials seeking favours from foreign businessmen and diplomats, the government has issued a terse warning to its personnel to exercise "utmost discretion" in their dealings with foreigners. Government rules on dealings with foreigners are quite onerous, requiring officials to even "refrain from consuming intoxicating drinks" at any reception where foreigners are entertained, irrespective of whether it is hosted by the Indian government or a foreign mission.