In 1980, the Maltese Province of the Order of Friars Minor Conventuals with its headquarters at St. Francis of Assisi Friary, Republic Street, Valletta sent the first friars to India. The friars were Fr. Samuel Chetcuti as Superior and Fr. Albert Sammut. These were soon followed by Fr. Joseph Cilia and Fr. George Attard. Other Friars - Ugolin Xerri, Alfred Vella, Frankie Debono and Robert Agius - served the Mission for short periods of time.

The present Provincial Custos (or Vice Provincial) is Fr. Joseph Cilia who has been in the mission for the last 22 years. In the near future the Custody will become a Province and will be the third Province in Asia after Japan and Korea. The Order is also present in Asia in Indonesia and the Philippines.

The present native members are as follows: