ADDRESS BY THE HON’BLE PRESIDENT OF INDIA SMT. DROUPADI MURMU ON THE OCCASION OF CALL ON BY THE INDIAN FOREIGN SERVICE OFFICER TRAINEES OF 2024 BATCH

Dear officer trainees,

A very warm welcome to you all to Rashtrapati Bhavan!

I congratulate you all on joining the Indian Foreign Service. It is a great privilege to represent one's country abroad. 

I am happy to see that this group of young Indian diplomats represents India’s diversity, and also reflects the improving gender balance in the Foreign Service. This bodes well for the Service and our nation.

I was happy to hear about your intensive training experience. I am certain that you have all picked up the skills of strategic thinking, cultural awareness and effective communication, that are so important for any diplomat.

As you embark upon this journey, I urge you all to carry with you the values of our civilizational wisdom – peace, pluralism, non-violence, and dialogue. At the same time, remain open to ideas, people, and perspectives from every culture you encounter.

The world around you is seeing rapid changes in terms of geopolitical shifts, digital revolution, climate change, and contested multilateralism. As young officers, your agility and adaptability will be the key to our success.

You have all joined the Indian Foreign Service at the ‘Amrit Kaal’ - a time when India is playing its role as a leading power and effective player on the global stage. Today, India is an essential part of the solution for the world’s main challenges – be it the issues stemming from disparity between the global north and south, dangers of cross-border terrorism, or the implications of climate change.

We are not only the world’s largest democracy, but also a steadily rising economic power. Our voice carries weight. As our diplomats, you will be the first face of India that the world sees – in your words, in your actions, and in your values.

But dear Officer Trainees, even as we embrace the spirit of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam, please do bear in mind – Rashtrahit Sarvopari – that our actions are ultimately based on enlightened national interest. Our diplomatic efforts should be closely aligned with our domestic needs, and with our objective of becoming Viksit Bharat by 2047.

You must also remember your responsibility to our 33 million strong diaspora, which plays a key role in our development story. In my interactions with the Indian communities during my travels abroad, I have been very impressed by their energy and commitment, both to their country of residence and to their Motherland.

As the world goes through upheavals, it is crucial that you meet the needs of our nationals abroad, especially in times of distress. From Operation Raahat in 2015 to Operation Sindhu in 2025, our diplomats have demonstrated the unwavering commitment of the Government of India to the safety of our nationals, wherever they are. I urge you to keep up this proud tradition with sensitivity and a humane touch.

Lastly, I would like to mention the increasing importance of cultural diplomacy in today’s times. Connections formed through the heart and soul are always stronger. Be it Yoga, Ayurveda, and millets; or the musical, artistic, linguistic and spiritual traditions of Bharat - I would like you to be more creative and ambitious in your efforts to project and promote this vast heritage abroad.

I understand you will all soon be proceeding for your first posting in our Missions abroad. You all must uphold the principles of integrity, probity and conscientiousness in all matters. Think of yourself not only as custodians of India's interest, but as ambassadors of its soul. I wish you all the best in your careers in the Indian Foreign Service. May you keep our tricolour flying high, and may your service bring honour to our country.

Thank you!
Jai Hind!
Jai Bharat!