PM Modi Urges Young Diplomats to Blend India’s Civilisational Strengths with Technology and Innovation
Prime Minister asks 2025-batch IFS trainees to strengthen grassroots diplomacy, expand global networks and make Indian missions more digital and citizen centric.
NEW DELHI, Aug 24: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday called on young Indian Foreign Service (IFS) officer trainees to combine India’s civilisational heritage with technology, innovation and effective communication to strengthen the country’s engagement with the world.
Interacting with 50 officer trainees of the 2025 IFS batch at Seva Teerth in New Delhi, Modi urged them to move beyond conventional diplomatic circles and develop meaningful connections with local communities and people in countries where they are posted.
The Prime Minister also asked the young diplomats to act as “catalytic agents” for India’s economic engagement with other countries by identifying new investment opportunities and expanding professional networks.
Modi stressed that Indian missions should build relationships not only with foreign governments and institutions but also with communities and the Indian diaspora. He said stronger grassroots engagement could help deepen India’s ties with people around the world.
The Prime Minister also highlighted the need to strengthen the digital presence of Indian missions. He observed that a mission’s website often serves as the first point of interaction for people and called for greater use of technology to make consular and other public services more seamless, responsive and citizen-centric.
He encouraged the officer trainees to explore innovative ways of presenting India’s cultural, civilisational and geographical diversity to international audiences. Modi said diplomatic efforts should contribute to making India a more attractive global tourism destination.
The Prime Minister suggested using initiatives such as the ‘Bharat Ko Janiye’ quiz to create greater interest in India among young people worldwide. He also encouraged the use of artificial intelligence and gaming technologies to make such initiatives more interactive and appealing.
According to the Prime Minister’s Office, the officer trainees shared their experiences from their training and Bharat Darshan programme during the interaction. They also discussed the importance of understanding India’s longstanding civilisational and cultural links with different parts of the world.
Following the interaction, Modi shared highlights of the meeting on X, stressing the need for young diplomats to take India’s diplomacy beyond traditional circles, promote economic opportunities, modernise Indian missions and showcase the country’s heritage, culture and tourism potential.
The 50 trainees attending the interaction come from different states and Union Territories across India.
According to the Sushma Swaraj Institute of Foreign Service (SSIFS), the overall training programme for IFS officer trainees in India lasts one year. The Foundation Course is conducted at the Lal Bahadur Shastri National Academy of Administration in Mussoorie alongside other civil service officers selected through the UPSC Civil Services Examination.
The Induction Training Programme is subsequently conducted at SSIFS in New Delhi, preparing the young diplomats for their future assignments and responsibilities in India’s foreign service.
