our-voice-carries-weight-says-president-murmu

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, President Droupadi Murmu said on Tuesday.

 

Addressing a group of officer trainees of the Indian Foreign Service (2024 batch), who had called on her at the Rashtrapati Bhavan here, the President asked them to bear in mind "Rashtrahit Sarvopari" (nation first) while embracing the spirit of "Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam" (world is a family).

 

Murmu said the world around them is seeing rapid changes in terms of geopolitical shifts, digital revolution, climate change and contested multilateralism. She said the officer trainees have joined the Indian Foreign Service at the ‘Amrit Kaal’ - a time when India is playing its role as a leading power and effective player on the global stage.

 

Murmu said India is not only the world’s largest democracy, but also a steadily rising economic power. "Our voice carries weight. As our diplomats, you will be the first face of India that the world sees – in your words, in your actions, and in your values," she said.

 

“Even as we embrace the spirit of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam, please do bear in mind – Rashtrahit Sarvopari – that our actions are ultimately based on enlightened national interest," the President said.

 

Also read: 'China, India should regard each other as partners': FM Wang Yi

 

Murmu said the country's diplomatic efforts should be closely aligned with "our domestic needs, and with our objective of becoming Viksit Bharat by 2047". She urged them to carry with them the values of "our civilisational wisdom - peace, pluralism, non-violence and dialogue".

 

"At the same time, remain open to ideas, people and perspectives from every culture you encounter," the President added.

 

Murmu asked them to remember their responsibility to the country's 33-million-strong diaspora, which plays a key role in India's development story.

 

"In my interactions with the Indian communities during my travels abroad, I have been very impressed by their energy and commitment, both to their country of residence and to their motherland. As the world goes through upheavals, it is crucial that you meet the needs of our nationals abroad, especially in times of distress," she said.