New Delhi, Aug 19: 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, President Droupadi Murmu said on Tuesday.
Addressing a group of officer trainees of the Indian Foreign Service (2024 batch), who had called on her at the Rashtrapati Bhavan here, the President asked them to bear in mind “Rashtrahit Sarvopari” (nation first) while embracing the spirit of “Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam” (world is a family).
Murmu said the world around them is seeing rapid changes in terms of geopolitical shifts, digital revolution, climate change and contested multilateralism.
She said the officer trainees have 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,” the President said.
Murmu said that India is 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,” she said.
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”, the President said.
Murmu said the country’s diplomatic efforts should be closely aligned with “our domestic needs, and with our objective of becoming Viksit Bharat by 2047”.
She urged them to carry with them the values of “our civilisational wisdom — peace, pluralism, non-violence, and dialogue”.
“At the same time, remain open to ideas, people, and perspectives from every culture you encounter,” the President added.
Murmu asked them to remember their responsibility to the country’s 33-million-strong diaspora, which plays a key role in India’s 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,” she said.
From Operation Raahat in 2015 to Operation Sindhu in 2025, India’s diplomats have demonstrated the unwavering commitment of the government of India to the safety of our nationals, wherever they are, Murmu said, and urged them to “keep up this proud tradition with sensitivity and a humane touch”.
Operation Raahat was India’s major evacuation mission to rescue Indian citizens and foreign nationals from war-torn Yemen. Operation Sindhu was launched by India on 18 June to evacuate its nationals from conflict zones in Iran and Israel
Murmu also mentioned 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,” the President said.
Murmu told them to uphold the principles of integrity, probity and conscientiousness in all matters as they soon proceed for their first posting in Indian Missions abroad.
“Think of yourself not only as custodians of India’s interest, but as ambassadors of its soul,” she added. (Agencies)
