New Delhi. President Ram Nath Kovind said that in today’s hyper-connected world, diplomacy has become an essential component of domestic action. There is an international connect to every aspect of our country’s growth and development, be it clean energy, Digital India, Skill India, Make in India, or building high-speed rail networks. “As such, economic diplomacy is a priority for us,” he observed.

President Kovind was addressing officer-trainees of the Indian Foreign Service (2017 batch) who called on him at Rashtrapati Bhavan in New Delhi June 6.

The President said that they are joining the Indian Foreign Service at an exciting time. India is expanding its global footprint. “We are securing our interests in every part of the world. We are also taking the lead on critical issues affecting global peace, security and progress, be it fighting terrorism or enhancing efforts to combat climate change. Our aspirations place new responsibilities on the IFS, and he said he was confident that the officer-trainees would make the best of the opportunity.”

President Kovind said: “The job for the Indian Foreign Service Officers is clearly laid out. They have to maintain robust relations with all our friends and partners to fashion a secure and prosperous environment and meet our developmental aspirations. They have to engage, contest and reconstruct global governance structures that adequately reflect and accommodate our interests.”