ADDRESS BY THE HON’BLE PRESIDENT OF INDIA SMT. DROUPADI MURMU ON THE OCCASION OF CALL ON BY THE OFFICER TRAINEES OF INDIAN FOREIGN SERVICE (2025 BATCH)

Dear Officer Trainees of Indian Foreign Service,

A very warm welcome to you all to Rashtrapati Bhavan!

I congratulate each one of you on joining the Indian Foreign Service. As members of this prestigious service, you 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. I am happy to see the diversity that this batch brings to the Service. The Indian Foreign Service is enriched when it reflects the many regions, languages, cultures, experiences and aspirations that constitute India. This diversity will be one of your greatest strengths as diplomats.

I am particularly pleased to welcome the two officers from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and External Trade of the Royal Government of Bhutan, who are undergoing training alongside their Indian counterparts. India and Bhutan share a unique and enduring friendship founded on mutual trust, respect and shared values. Your presence here reflects the close bonds between our countries.

I am happy to hear about your training experience at the Foreign Service Institute. I am sure that you have picked up the skills of strategic thinking, cultural awareness, negotiation and effective communication that are so essential for a diplomat’s career.

Dear Officer Trainees,

You are beginning your careers at an important moment in India’s journey. India's rise is now one of the defining facts of the international system. But India’s transformation cannot be measured by economic growth alone. More importantly, India is achieving development at scale while preserving democratic choice, social pluralism and institutional continuity.

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 your professional lives. As India moves towards the goal of becoming Viksit Bharat by 2047, the role of diplomacy is expanding. I would like to share with you a few thoughts on professional excellence and the practice of diplomacy, which I hope will guide you in your journey ahead.

A diplomat should not limit engagement to government offices and official meetings. You should also reach out to universities, businesses, researchers, innovators, cultural institutions, civil society and local communities.

At the same time, you should engage meaningfully with the Indian diaspora. My interactions with the Indian community during my visits abroad always leave me with a deep sense of pride about their achievements; be it in business, education, culture or public life. You should especially encourage young members of the diaspora to remain connected with India and identify opportunities for them to contribute to our development journey.

India's economic rise is creating new possibilities for our engagement with the world. You should 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. Diplomacy must contribute directly to Indias prosperity.

Dear Officer Trainees,

The nature of diplomacy itself is changing rapidly. Technology has transformed the way nations communicate, businesses operate and citizens access public services. India’s Missions abroad must keep pace with this transformation.

Technology should be used not merely as a communication tool, but as an instrument of better governance and deeper engagement. You should strengthen the digital presence of our Missions and explore new technologies, including AI and data-driven tools, while remaining mindful of cybersecurity and privacy. But always remember: technology must never replace empathy.

I urge you to ensure that Indian Missions always remain accessible and available for our nationals in times of need. You should continue the tradition demonstrated through our major evacuation and humanitarian operations in recent years. Let every Indian who seeks assistance, feel that their Mission is approachable, compassionate and dependable.

Dear Officer Trainees,

You not only represent a country whose civilisational journey spans thousands of years, but you also represent a young, dynamic and aspirational India. Peace, pluralism, dialogue, coexistence and respect for diversity are deeply embedded in Indias civilisational ethos of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam. These values have continuing relevance in a world facing conflict and uncertainty.

Cultural diplomacy will be an important part of your responsibilities. I urge you to be creative and ambitious in showcasing India’s rich artistic and cultural heritage as well as its contemporary capabilities and achievements.

Dear Officer Trainees,

The world in which you will work is changing at an extraordinary pace. You must be agile, curious and continuously willing to learn. Above all, you need to retain humility. As you travel abroad, remember that you do not represent only the Government of India - you represent 1.4 billion Indians and their hopes and aspirations.

I urge you to maintain the highest standards of integrity, probity and professionalism. Your conduct contributes to the reputation of our country.

I am confident that this batch will carry forward the proud traditions of the Indian Foreign Service while also helping to shape a new generation of Indian diplomacy.

May you serve Bharat with distinction. May you contribute to building bridges of friendship and understanding across the world. And may you always keep the Tricolour flying high.

I wish each one of you a fulfilling and successful career.

Thank you,
Jai Hind!