President Pranab Mukherjee has urged the Indian envoys to ensure that the initiative taken by Prime Minister Narendra Modi of iniviting SAARC leaders to his swearing-in is followed up and taken to its logical conclusion.
Addressing over 160 Indian ambassadors and high commissioners posted across the world, during the Annual Heads of Mission Conference, the President said India demonstrated dynamism and bold leadership by inviting leaders of SAARC countries to attend the swearing-in of new Government in May last year and that last eight months have seen new vigour and dynamism in India’s foreign policy.
“That initiative must be followed through to its logical conclusion through incisive diplomacy even as we remain firm in protecting our security and putting in place impregnable security mechanisms,” President Mukherjee said.
Referring to the old saying that ‘You can choose your friend but not your neighbour’, President said a strong message was conveyed to our neighbours that the region must decide whether to live in perpetual tension or understanding.
“Our initiatives in the neighbourhood must be followed up with concrete steps to consolidate and make permanent the advances we make in our relations.”
Speaking on the issue of the global war on terrorism, the President talked about horrific killings of innocent hostages in Syria, attack on the media in Paris and tragic killing of school children and teachers in Peshawar.
He called upon Indian envoys to apply themselves on how to address the challenge of terrorism and come up with ideas on how to mobilize the world to take concrete action to mitigate and end the menace.
Indian ambassadors posted across the world have assembled in New Delhi for a brainstorming session for five days with the officials in Centre and top political leadership on “Diplomacy for Development.” This is first time after the new government took over in May last year that all the Heads of Indian Missions have come together under one roof.
The PM has shared his vision on India’s foreign policy and what he expects from the diplomats, particularly in terms of restoring foreign investors’ confidence. In fact, the envoys evaluation will be based on their success in contributing to Government’s economic agenda.
“Usually our focus had been how international issues are shaping up, how they impact India, and what India can do internationally. The focus this time is what diplomacy can bring to bear on India’s development. So, what we are having is different from previous years in terms of theme,” said Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) Spokesperson Syed Akbaruddin.