Strained ties with Pakistan and China and challenges it posed to foreign policy will figure prominently during the four-day conclave of Indian heads of missions and embassies which began here on Friday. Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday addressed the conference, which was inaugurated by Minister for External Affairs Sushma Swaraj a day earlier.
Nearly 120 envoys posted all over the world are participating in the conclave which is brainstorming key foreign policy issues and challenges including India’s engagement with major powers as well as strain in ties with Pakistan and China.
“PM @narendramodi addresses 8th HOM Conference at New Delhi,” External Affairs Ministry Spokesperson Gopal Baglay tweeted along with pictures of the Prime Minister addressing the meet.
It is the eighth annual conference and the ongoing meet is expected to discuss major developments globally and how India should mould its policy to deal with them. Envoys have made presentations on the state of India's bilateral relationship with the countries they are posted to.
Indiass relationship with the Trump administration and ties with Russia are also likely to figure in the conclave.
The conclave is taking place at a time when India-Pakistan relations have worsened following the beheading of two Indian soldiers by the Pakistan Army in Jammu & Kashmir and the issue is likely to figure during the discussions.