IFS Trainees Call on President Murmu
President urges young diplomats to align global engagement with people’s aspirations
- President Murmu said diplomacy must directly contribute to India’s prosperity and national interests.
- She urged diplomats to explore opportunities in investment, technology, manufacturing and innovation.
- IFS officers were advised to deepen engagement with communities, institutions and the Indian diaspora.
- She stressed integrity, empathy, professionalism and continuous learning in diplomatic service.
GG News Bureau
New Delhi, 27th Aug: Officer Trainees of the 2025 batch of the Indian Foreign Service (IFS), along with two Bhutanese diplomats undergoing induction training, called on President Droupadi Murmu at Rashtrapati Bhavan on Thursday.
Congratulating the trainees, President Murmu said they would have the privilege and responsibility of representing India abroad, advancing national interests and strengthening relations with countries across the world.
She said India’s economic rise is creating new opportunities for global engagement and urged the young diplomats to identify partnerships in areas such as investment, technology, manufacturing, renewable energy and innovation.
Emphasising the principle of “Rashtrahit Sarvopari”, the President said India’s engagement with the world should remain closely aligned with the aspirations of its people. She noted that diplomacy would play an expanding role as India works towards the goal of Viksit Bharat by 2047.
President Murmu advised the officer trainees to expand their engagement beyond government offices and official meetings to include universities, businesses, researchers, innovators, cultural institutions, civil society and local communities. She also stressed meaningful engagement with the Indian diaspora, particularly young members.
Highlighting the changing nature of diplomacy, she said technology should be used to improve governance and deepen international engagement, while never replacing empathy. Indian Missions abroad, she added, must remain accessible and dependable to Indians in times of need.
The President said IFS officers represent both India’s ancient civilisational heritage and its young, dynamic and aspirational identity. She urged them to uphold the values of peace, pluralism, dialogue, coexistence and respect for diversity.
Calling on the young diplomats to remain agile, curious and willing to learn, President Murmu reminded them that while serving abroad they represent not only the Government of India but also the hopes and aspirations of 1.4 billion Indians. She urged them to maintain the highest standards of integrity, probity and professionalism.
