The Chennai Mission is responsible for the southern states of Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka and Kerala and the union territory of Puducherry.

In 1959, the passport office was upgraded as the Office of Assistant High Commissioner and subsequently to that of Deputy High Commissioner in 1966, with the mission playing an increasingly important role in the Southern region of the Indian Subcontinent due to the geographical proximity of Chennai to Sri Lanka and its ethnic commonality with the island nation.

[5][6] The foundation stone for the new building was laid by P. M. Amza, the then Deputy High Commissioner for Sri Lanka in Southern India.

[3] As part of revamping the diplomatic presence in India, the Deputy High Commission decided to post two additional Tamil-speaking officers from the public service at its chancery.

Handled by a Sri Lankan state-owned organisation, the trade centre was aimed as an economical alternative to road shows and promotional activities.