PM Modi Meets 2024 IFS Trainees, Stresses Global Role of India as Vishwabandhu

“As Vishwabandhu, India must be seen not only as a growing power but also as a country committed to global peace, friendship, and collective progress,” the Prime Minister said.

Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi today met with the 33 Officer Trainees of the 2024 batch of the Indian Foreign Service (IFS) at his residence, 7 Lok Kalyan Marg, where he engaged in a wide-ranging interaction on India’s evolving role in global affairs and the responsibilities of its future diplomats.

India’s Global Role in a Multipolar World

Addressing the young officer trainees, the Prime Minister spoke at length about the changing dynamics of a multipolar world order and India’s rising stature as a “Vishwabandhu” (friend to the world). He underlined how India has consistently demonstrated its role as a first responder during crises, whether through humanitarian aid, evacuation operations, or medical assistance to nations in distress.

He highlighted India’s proactive efforts in capacity building across the Global South, ranging from technical training and developmental partnerships to large-scale humanitarian outreach, noting that these initiatives strengthen India’s credibility as a trusted partner.

“As Vishwabandhu, India must be seen not only as a growing power but also as a country committed to global peace, friendship, and collective progress,” the Prime Minister said.

Future Diplomats and Vision 2047

The Prime Minister reminded the officer trainees of their critical role in shaping India’s foreign policy as the nation moves towards its goal of becoming a developed country by 2047. He described diplomats as the “face of India abroad”, representing the nation’s values, aspirations, and commitment to global cooperation.

He urged the trainees to cultivate curiosity, resilience, and adaptability as they navigate complex international issues.

Trainees Share Their Experiences

During the interaction, the officer trainees shared insights from their ongoing training and research assignments, which spanned diverse subjects such as:

• Maritime diplomacy and India’s strategic role in the Indo-Pacific.

• Artificial Intelligence and semiconductors in global technological competition.

• Ayurveda and cultural diplomacy as tools of soft power.

• Food diplomacy and India’s cultural connect in global forums.

The Prime Minister praised their choice of topics, noting that these reflect contemporary areas where India can contribute meaningfully to global debates.

Promoting India’s Image Abroad

PM Modi emphasized the importance of communication and outreach in a technology-driven world. He encouraged the young officers to focus on enhancing the digital presence of Indian Missions abroad.

“Every Mission website must serve as a bridge with the diaspora and international community. Explore them closely, identify gaps, and suggest improvements,” he told the trainees.

He also suggested innovative tools to generate global curiosity about India, such as “Know Your Bharat” quizzes and debates. He proposed that these quizzes should be frequently updated with contemporary themes such as the Mahakumbh, or the 1000-year celebration of the Gangaikonda Cholapuram Temple, blending heritage with current developments.

Opportunities in Emerging Sectors

The Prime Minister also touched upon the opening of India’s space sector to private players, which has led to the rise of innovative startups. He encouraged the officer trainees to identify international opportunities for collaboration and market expansion for Indian startups in this sector.

“India has the potential to fill critical gaps in the global space economy. Our diplomats must become enablers for Indian startups venturing abroad,” he said.

The session reflected the Prime Minister’s vision of a dynamic, confident, and globally engaged India, with young diplomats at the forefront of this transformation. As the 2024 IFS batch prepares for overseas postings, their interaction with the Prime Minister reinforced the sense of mission, innovation, and national pride that will guide their service in the years ahead.