Addressing the officers, the President congratulated them for joining the Indian Foreign Service and said that as they embark upon their journey, they should carry with them the values of India's civilizational wisdom – peace, pluralism, non-violence, and dialogue. At the same time, they should remain open to ideas, people, and perspectives from every culture they encounter. She said, “The world around them is seeing rapid changes in terms of geopolitical shifts, digital revolution, climate change, and contested multilateralism. As young officers, their agility and adaptability will be the key to our success.”

The President said that 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. India is not only the world’s largest democracy, but also a steadily rising economic power. “Our voice carries weight,” she said, adding that as diplomats, IFS officers will be the first face of India that the world sees – in their words, actions, and values.

The President underlined the increasing importance of cultural diplomacy in today’s times. She said that 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, more creative and ambitious efforts will project and promote this vast heritage abroad.