President Murmu Urges New IFS Officers to Champion India’s Values Globally

The meeting at Rashtrapati Bhavan served both as an inspirational call to service and a reminder of the responsibility that rests upon the shoulders of the IFS.

President of India Smt Droupadi Murmu today addressed the 2024 batch of Indian Foreign Service (IFS) officer trainees at Rashtrapati Bhavan, congratulating them on joining one of the nation’s most prestigious services and outlining their critical role in shaping India’s image and influence on the global stage.

A Call to Embody India’s Civilisational Ethos

President Murmu said that as the officers begin their diplomatic journey, they must carry with them the timeless values of India’s civilisational wisdom – peace, pluralism, non-violence, and dialogue. These principles, she noted, have always defined India’s identity in the world and remain essential in navigating today’s turbulent global environment.

At the same time, she encouraged the officers to remain open-minded, embracing new ideas, cultures, and perspectives from across the globe. “Agility and adaptability will be the key to your success,” the President remarked, highlighting that the diplomatic profession demands constant learning in an era of rapid transformations.

Diplomacy Amid Global Shifts

The President underlined the seismic changes in the international order – including shifting geopolitics, the digital revolution, the challenges of climate change, and contested multilateral frameworks.

She observed that India today is an essential part of the solution to the world’s pressing challenges, whether it is addressing disparities between the global North and South, countering cross-border terrorism, or tackling the consequences of climate change.

“As diplomats, you will be the first face of India that the world sees,” President Murmu told the officer trainees. “In your words, actions, and values, the world will read the story of our nation – a democracy of 1.4 billion people and a steadily rising economic power.”

The Power of Cultural Diplomacy

A major theme in her address was the growing significance of cultural diplomacy in India’s foreign policy. The President noted that while political and economic engagements are vital, the connections formed through culture are often deeper and longer-lasting.

She urged the officers to proactively promote India’s soft power assets – from Yoga, Ayurveda, and millets to its artistic, linguistic, musical, and spiritual traditions. “Creative and ambitious efforts are needed to project this vast heritage abroad,” she said, adding that cultural diplomacy is a way of winning hearts and building bridges across nations.

Diplomacy Linked to National Development

The President emphasized that India’s diplomatic priorities must remain aligned with its domestic aspirations, particularly the goal of becoming a Viksit Bharat (Developed India) by 2047.

She urged the young officers to view themselves not just as custodians of India’s interests abroad, but also as ambassadors of India’s soul, reflecting the country’s values, aspirations, and vision of inclusive development.

A Message of Responsibility and Opportunity

The meeting at Rashtrapati Bhavan served both as an inspirational call to service and a reminder of the responsibility that rests upon the shoulders of the IFS.

As India’s global stature rises, the 2024 batch of IFS officer trainees will be among the key architects of India’s diplomatic outreach, tasked with negotiating partnerships, strengthening alliances, and representing India’s values across continents.

President Murmu’s message framed their mission clearly: to balance pragmatic statecraft with ethical values, ensuring that India’s voice remains strong, credible, and inspiring in the international arena.