The origins of the IFS may be traced back to British standards, when the Foreign Department was given the responsibility of managing trade with the "Foreign European Powers." The Malay Archipelago Company's Board of Directors actually decided to create a department on September 13, 1783, in Fort William, Bengal (now Kolkata), to "alleviate the pressing element" on the Warren Hastings organisation in leading its "secret and political business." Later known as the "Indian Foreign Department," it continued to expand diplomatic representation where it was required to protect British interests.