President Droupadi Murmu addressed Officer Trainees of the Indian Foreign Service (2025 Batch) and two diplomats from Bhutan during their call at Rashtrapati Bhavan on August 27, 2026. The President congratulated the trainees and emphasized their responsibility to represent India abroad, advance national interests, and strengthen global relations while ensuring that India's engagement with the world aligns closely with the aspirations of its people (Rashtrahit Sarvopari).
President Murmu highlighted that India's economic rise is creating new possibilities for global engagement and advised diplomats to remain alert to emerging opportunities in investment, technology, manufacturing, renewable energy, and innovation. She stated that diplomacy must contribute directly to India's prosperity and support the country's progress toward becoming Viksit Bharat by 2047.
The President urged diplomats to expand their engagement beyond government offices and official meetings to include universities, businesses, researchers, innovators, cultural institutions, civil society, and local communities. She specifically emphasized meaningful engagement with the Indian diaspora, particularly encouraging young members to remain connected with India and identify opportunities to contribute to the nation's development journey.
President Murmu noted the rapidly changing nature of diplomacy and emphasized the role of technology in transforming how nations communicate, businesses operate, and citizens access services. She stressed that Indian Missions abroad must keep pace with this transformation, using technology as an instrument for better governance and deeper engagement while maintaining empathy. She urged diplomats to ensure Indian Missions remain accessible and available for Indian nationals in times of need, continuing the tradition of major evacuation and humanitarian operations demonstrated in recent years.
The President reminded the officers that they represent not only the Government of India but also 1.4 billion Indians and their hopes and aspirations, while maintaining the highest standards of integrity, probity, and professionalism. She emphasized that India's civilizational ethos of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam—encompassing peace, pluralism, dialogue, coexistence, and respect for diversity—should guide their diplomatic approach in an increasingly uncertain and complex world.