The Officer Trainees of Indian Foreign Service (2025 Batch) and two diplomats from Bhutan who are currently undergoing induction training programme in Sushma Swaraj Institute of Foreign Service called on the President of India, Smt Droupadi Murmu at Rashtrapati Bhavan today (August 27, 2026).

Speaking on the occasion, the President congratulated the Officer Trainees of the Indian Foreign Service and said that they will have the privilege and responsibility of representing India abroad, advancing the nation’s interests, and strengthening India’s relations with countries across the world.

The President said that India's economic rise is creating new possibilities for our engagement with the world. She advised diplomats to remain alert to emerging opportunities in areas such as investment, technology, manufacturing, renewable energy and innovation, and build partnerships that advance India’s national interests. She said that diplomacy must contribute directly to India's prosperity.

The President said that India’s engagement with the world should always align closely with the aspirations of our people: Rashtrahit Sarvopari. This should remain an enduring principle of Indian Foreign Service officers’ professional lives. She highlighted the expanding role of diplomacy as the country progresses towards the goal of becoming Viksit Bharat by 2047.

The President said that diplomats should not limit engagement to government offices and official meetings. They should also reach out to universities, businesses, researchers, innovators, cultural institutions, civil society and local communities. She advised them to engage meaningfully with the Indian diaspora, especially to encourage young members of the diaspora to remain connected with India and identify opportunities for them to contribute to our development journey.

The President underlined that the nature of diplomacy itself is changing rapidly. She emphasized the role of technology in transforming the way nations communicate, businesses operate and citizens access public services. She said that India’s Missions abroad must keep pace with this transformation. Technology should be used as an instrument of better governance and deeper engagement, but should never replace empathy. She urged diplomats to ensure that Indian Missions always remain accessible and available for our nationals in times of need. They should continue the tradition demonstrated through our major evacuation and humanitarian operations in recent years. She said that every Indian who seeks assistance should feel that their Mission is approachable, compassionate and dependable.

The President said that Indian Foreign Service officers not only represent a country whose civilisational journey spans thousands of years, but they also represent a young, dynamic and aspirational India. Peace, pluralism, dialogue, coexistence and respect for diversity are deeply embedded in India's civilisational ethos of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam.

The President said that in an increasingly uncertain and complex world, diplomats must be agile, curious and continuously willing to learn. Above all, they need to retain humility. She urged the young officer trainees to always remember while travelling abroad, that they represent not only the Government of India, but 1.4 billion Indians and their hopes and aspirations. She advised them to maintain the highest standards of integrity, probity and professionalism.

Please click here to see the President's Speech

****

MJPS/SS/PRK